A plethora of play experiences - both natural and prescribed
Set in the centre of town within 17 hectares of natural
woodland, Town Park is the largest play area in Harlow and has just
benefited from a massive £135k contract which was awarded to
Wicksteed Playscapes. Following the recent highly successful
completion of Harlow’s £1million spend on 62 site
renovations; this particular brief was to design an area for
toddlers and juniors following a ‘One-World’
theme. Other than the prescribed surfacing being wet pour and
an allowance for tarmac pathways the entire design was placed in
the capable hands of the Playscape Design Team.
Drawing on the naturally undulating forms of the site, the
creative team set to work incorporating these important elements
into their scheme. In order to fully enhance the natural
features of the land two large mounds were connected by a specially
designed wooden bridge, which include play features below it, and
which provides an almost seamless blending of play equipment with
natural forms. This allows the children complete spontaneity in an
aesthetically pleasing rural space.
Totem poles, with a distinctly modern look, depicting recognisable
landmarks of our continents, have been installed into the tree
lines to encourage exploration of the wider play environment.
Designed into the wet pour of the fixed play areas are colourful
animals - native to both the African and Australian continents -
representing the toddler and junior designated zones. A huge
‘One-World’ globe and a compass, complete the
imaginative ground graphics displayed, all of which creatively
reflect the worldly theme and beautifully enhance the ground
beneath.
Town Park is extensively used by all ages of children and their
carers, so it was imperative to include a picnic area.
Deliberately sited within a cluster of acorn and chestnut trees on
a raised plateau, this area provides both shade and easy viewing
for parents and carers alike. The timber furniture designed for
this space cleverly follows the lines of leaves and acorns and is
set onto ‘sureset’ resin-bound paving in sympathetic
colours, adding richness and textural variety to the whole play
scheme. This wonderful playscape has certainly brightened up Town
Park and will provide a fantastic play and leisure environment for
Harlow’s local community to enjoy for years to come
Learn more about Wicksteed Leisure Ltd visit www.wicksteed.co.uk