Hughenden Parish Council

Client: Hughenden Parish Council

Cost: £30,461

Date: 01/03/2010

Genre: Landscape, Community, Inclusive

Brief

Hughenden Parish Council’s objective was to refresh the existing playground by installing new and exciting equipment that would challenge and inspire children through play.

Through a series of consultations with the residents of the village, it was identified that the old playground did not suitably cater for the under 5s and over 12s and therefore needed new investment and equipment to provide a playground that appeals to children of all ages.

Sutcliffe Play was briefed to design a traditional playground with a modern twist. The parish council wanted a playground that would provide enjoyment, stimulation and imaginative play for many years to come. Natural features were also to be considered to stimulate children’s senses.

Client

Emma Marsden at Hughenden Parish Council comments: “We asked a number of playground companies to tender for this project but it was Sutcliffe Play’s innovative design which really struck a cord with the parish council. The mixture of natural play and traditional play equipment matched perfectly with our vision of how we wanted the playground to look.

“This was a complete overhaul of the play equipment, and the new design, though widely praised, did result in some concerns from neighbouring properties. Your help and assistance was invaluable in making sure any concerns were addressed and we are very grateful for your guidance.

“It was with enormous pride that we opened the new playground which has been a tremendous success and is in use constantly.”

Design and Build

The design proposal was required to include a ‘wow’ factor through a signature piece of equipment and importantly fit naturally within its environment and be built to stand the test of time. Sutcliffe Play designed a playground using a mixture of traditional and natural materials that complemented each other and the environment the playground is situated in.

Playground Equipment:

Alongside traditional equipment such as a dish roundabout, springies and swings Sutcliffe Play incorporated an eye-catching willow and bamboo igloo to form the visual centrepiece of the playground. Fifteen boulders, weighing 3-5 tonnes each, were also incorporated to create a stepping stone challenge.

1.8m High Toddler Swing: This swing features two pod seats. The revolutionary pod seat features advanced rubber technology around stainless steel cables, meaning the pod ‘hugs’ the child, providing safety and comfort.

Nest Swing: Designed to hold several young children and those with special needs, this nest swing encourages teamwork in play.

Climb & Cross Toddlerzone Unit: This exciting unit features a suspension bridge and a binocular rail which enables younger children to survey the ground below.

2.4m High Swing: This piece of play equipment features a boat seat and a bumper seat. The boat seat can be used in a dynamic way by two or more children, as an old-fashioned boat swing.

K&K Arch Bridge: Thisattractive wooden bridge is fun for children to run across and crawl underneath.

Dish Roundabout: This inclusive rotating dish can be used for fast, dynamic play. The rocking and rotating motion of the swing, along with the body support and security provided by the dish shape, make this play equipment exciting yes accessible to all.

Inclusive Springie: Specifically designed for more inclusive play, this springie’s seat enables a child to get on and off without assistance and gives good support whilst rocking.