Sutcliffe Play South West worked with Blaenhonddan Community Council, with support from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, to introduce new play facilities to refresh an existing playground at the Caewern play area.
The design needed to consider the split levels of the landscape, and cater to children of all ages and abilities. The brief stated the need for a range of equipment with DDA linked pathways, including a multi-use play feature for toddlers and younger children, inclusive swing, springie and spinner provisions and a challenging climbing unit aimed at older juniors.
The brief was met using a diverse range of equipment including a ‘Sneak & Peek’ unit from the Toddlerzone range, which is designed to enable co-operation and social interaction, and an inclusive roundabout that allows disabled and able bodied children to enjoy the sensation of spinning side by side.
A Mission Ghost unit provides challenging play for older juniors. Mission offers testing physical play opportunities focusing on climbing, traversing and descending in unique ways. The largest of the Mission range, Mission Ghost incorporates a wide range of play experiences from strenuous climbing and agility through to exhilarating rides on the glide, an ever-popular compact zip line which adds excitement to any play area. Being large, with a random layout, it keeps children interested for extended playing time, with something new and exciting round the next corner.
The playground also features spring and stand up see saws, toddler and nest swings, and a Pyramid space net. Pyramid Net rope structures have the ability to challenge children like trees do. Reaching the top gives a sense of exhilaration and achievement, whilst developing coordination, strength and confidence.
Coloured wetpour completes the play area, laid to create paths between the toddler, junior and teen play areas; as well as surrounding each piece of equipment with a rainbow of colour and designs to stimulate the children’s senses as they play.
“We wanted to create an exciting play area for children of all ages and abilities – part of the brief which has undoubtedly been met. Sutcliffe Play has exceeded our expectations in meeting our requirements and created an outstanding play area for local people that the community can be proud of.
Rowland Lanchbury- Clerk to the Council – Blaenhonddan Community Council