Byram Cum Sutton Parish Council wanted an exciting new play area catering to children aged 2-12, which would blend into the natural setting with existing trees. The site, located near to a major motorway intersection, had historically been a play area with the last items of equipment removed a number of years ago. Byram Cum Sutton Parish Council were successful in securing funding for the site through WREN, which provides grants under the terms and conditions of the Landfill Communities Fund, to projects which enhance the local natural environment.
The site was required to be completed within a very short period, due to an official opening planned prior to Easter. With Sutcliffe Play designing and manufacturing the play equipment, we were able to meet the deadline imposed by the client by engaging extra crews which enabled the play area to be completed within 7 working days from start to finish.
Sutcliffe Play was selected to design and install the new playground following an extensive design and build tender process and a community consultation.
Due to the location of the play area near to a major road intersection M62/A1M, it was important to provide an interesting, fun and challenging play area to keep the children occupied. The site also retained fencing and gating for additional safety.
Sutcliffe Play proposed a variety of traditional and more adventurous play equipment from Sutcliffe Play’s Orchard range, designed to blend with the natural surroundings.
Orchard is a range of environmentally friendly play equipment which encourages physical & imaginative play and social interaction. The wood-based units have been designed specifically to complement rural locations, making it the ideal choice for the new play area, which now includes a variety of play opportunities to suit all ages and abilities.
The final design comprised of low level play activities, suitable for younger children, including an Orchard nest swing and Orchard Toot & Slide unit. The unit, which features wooden posts that create a mountainous feel and a number of ways to climb or descend, also includes binoculars and music pipes for added play value.
More adventurous play equipment suitable for older children completed the play area design, including the Orchard Tepee, custom built to allow for a natural slope on the site, and Orchard Rex, which requires balance, agility and full concentration to navigate quickly.
“We’re delighted with the finished play area which we are sure will be a huge hit with children of all ages. Sutcliffe Play was able to take our set of requirements, plus feedback from the community consultation, and turn them into a fantastic play space within a very limited timescale. Here’s to many happy hours of play at Byram Cum Suttom Play Area!”
David Nicklin – Parish Councillor
