Play Design
We are experts in designing play spaces which are ‘landscape-led’ – spaces in which play equipment and the landscape setting are designed together to be mutually complementary. Check out our document Designing for play: a guide to designing successful play spaces, published in 2008 and used internationally by designers and academics.
Often termed ‘natural play,’ spaces such as these offer a rich and stimulating environment for all the family. They’re designed to be attractive spaces, and as such, they encourage children and their carers to spend far more time together enjoying the outdoors than is generally the case in more traditional layouts dominated by fencing and rubber surfacing, which can feel quite unwelcoming. Previous clients have included town councils as well as large unitary authorities.
We can provide proposals for both play space upgrades and ‘new builds’ and we use our landscape design skills for both, as well as our knowledge of ongoing maintenance needs and the complexities of public engagement, to create places which become the heart of the community.
Contact us for more information or a chat.
Projects
Play projects
Alum Chine Play Space
At Alum Chine in Bournemouth we re-designed and oversaw the construction of a tired-looking play space to incorporate an exciting Treasure Island theme. A secret treasure chest, sand and water play, a hammock to discover in the woods and huge fallen trees all make the most of this great beach location and the play space has become a place enjoyed by adults and children alike.
St. James' Park Play
St. James’s Park in Shaftesbury is one of the town’s most important public open spaces, and maps as far back as the 17th century show it as an important link between St. James Road and the town centre at the top of its steep hilly slopes. We worked closely with the Town Council to develop sensitively located play facilities which would provide the risk and challenge young people wanted but in a way which enhanced the park setting, and the new play scheme has been an enormous success, not least because we ensured that the needs of the local community were considered carefully within the final design.
"It is impressive how the design has not only transformed the play space but the behaviour as well. I now observe parents interacting more with their children for example, the edging to the sand area encourages adults to sit close by and talk with their children about what they are doing. The atmosphere has changed and everyone is so happy and relaxed in this very welcoming space”.
Kathy Batten, East Finchley Community Trust
OUR WORK
Other areas
Landscape design
Outline proposals for spaces large and small, assistance with detailed design and implementation.
Landscape and visual assesments
Report writing in support of planning applications across the Dorset AONB area.
Garden design
Outdoor areas for public buildings, and designs for private gardens.