DDA for Knyvett Green Play!
Client: South Norfolk District Council/Friends of Knyvett Green Association
Budget: £30,000
Funding: South Norfolk DC
Age Range: 3 – 14 Years
DDA for Knyvett Green Play!
“The play area has state of the art equipment and is completely accessible to children with disabilities”. (Margaret Dewsbury, South Norfolk Chairman Councillor).
Client Background
Knyvett Green Play Area needed to be refurbished as current equipment was run down and not in line with modern standards. Residents and children from the Friends of Knyvett Green Association, worked with the council in finding out what the community wanted.
Project Brief
South Norfolk District Council wanted to create an exciting play space that the whole family could enjoy. Friends of Knyvett Green Association wanted a modern area but one that was sympathetic to the village surroundings.
The main aim was to provide equipment that was inclusive and suited a wide range of users from the local community. Incorporating equipment that was appropriate for the natural environment was also a key factor.
Nottingham based company Proludic were chosen to undertake the project and set about designing a play area that fitted the brief. “Proludic offered a great design which was fitting for the area and also had excellent after-sales service” (Gary Howard, Play & Amenities Officer, South Norfolk DC).
Play Area
It was decided that the play area would not follow a particular theme and instead the equipment would speak for itself, both in terms of inclusivity and innovation.
To keep the equipment traditional in its look, timber posts were used throughout. These fitted in well with the natural surroundings.
Matta safer surfacing was also used to enable grass to grow through, again enhancing the natural environment.
Inclusive items of kit included a Speed Gyro Roundabout, Dippy Springer and Pod Swing. The Pod Swing and Dippy Springer are great for anyone who needs support when using the equipment; while the Speed Gyro Roundabout is installed lower to the ground making it easier for all abilities to get involved.
A Vivacity multiplay unit was also installed, allowing a broad range of activities to be included in the one unit. The activities included monkey bars, slide, fireman’s pole and a range of climbing apparatus.
Lastly a cableway was included, as Knyvett Green Association had seen one at a nearby village and thought it would work well in the play space.
Outcome
The play area was completed in December 2008 and opened to the public on the 17th January 2009. BBC Look East presenter Amelia Reynolds officially cut the ribbon on the play area and was quick to praise its ability to meet children’s needs. “The play area is wonderful. It’s so important for children to have safe and creative places to play outside,” (Amelia Reynolds, BBC Look East).