Housing a Community Play Space!
Client: West Berkshire District Council & Redrow Homes
Budget: £220,000
Funding: S106 Funding
Age Range: Toddler/Junior/Teen
“This park is a bench mark in quality and size for future developments” Stuart Souden, Grounds Maintenance Manager, West Berkshire District Council
Client Background
After completing a new housing estate in Thatcham, Redrow Homes worked with West Berkshire District Council on finding a suitable play manufacturer to design and install a state of the art play area.
Project Brief
The main aim of the project was to create a community play space for children and families to meet and play. West Berkshire were keen to provide a destination play area on a local level, that communities nearby could enjoy and visit. West Berkshire District Council were responsible for managing the tender process and were particularly interested in attaining a high play level value. Two companies were narrowed down and asked to present their proposals and any added value they could offer. After this presentation, the decision was made in favour of Nottingham based company Proludic. This was mainly down to their strict adherence to the brief and also because they were able to offer a superior after sales and maintenance service. “We were impressed by the Proludic layout and how the equipment used provided such diverse activities that children can take part in.” (Stuart Souden, West Berkshire District Council).
Play Area
Due to the play area’s location and size, it was decided to use a tried and tested formula, but with unique and individual elements. This consisted of a fenced off Wetpour area with metal equipment. However to ensure this was not too sterile, West Berkshire wanted to provide lots of dynamic and moving equipment that a variety of demographics could enjoy.
The area therefore has traditional toddler play, moving up to more challenging junior equipment and finally a very dynamic teenage specific range. Spread throughout this is a selection of suitable seating for parents or even children who want a space to meet up with their friends. This includes a social exercise station with three exercise bikes. This has been tailored from the Proludic Vitality range, which is equipment based on common gym themes and aims to encourage active lifestyles.
Other key pieces of equipment used include the DDA compliant pieces, such as the pod swing, Springers and the speed Gyro roundabout – ensuring that children of all abilities are able to use the equipment.
Outcome
The play area was installed at the end of August and has already had a very positive response from people in the area. Thatcham town council have been in touch with West Berkshire to say how delighted they are with the play facilities. “For us it is the biggest play area in the town and has provided fitness based equipment that is also fun – which is a great concept!” (Mel Alexander, Thatcham Town Council).
Learn more about Proludic visit: www.proludic.co.uk