Whiteley Town Council wanted to rejuvenate the existing Meadowside play area which was in need of expansion and refurbishment as the area was looking tired and worn after serving the community for over 10 years.
The recreation ground where the play area is located is popular with the 3,000 local residents and the visitors to the nearby Whiteley Shopping Centre, who were consulted on the improvements they’d like to see. This consultation shaped the design into a true community project. The installation marks the completion of the first phrase of the project, with Water Play & Sand Play areas plus inclusive play equipment to be added in a second phase as further funds become available.
Inclusive equipment and facilities are a key theme through the new play area with sensory opportunities to stimulate the senses and enable children to see, touch, and hear the environment around them.
At the centre of the play area, the Journey Inclusive multi-play unit allows children of all abilities to play side-by-side. The unit can be approached from either end by ramps or the more challenging hoop climb or incline net, encouraging children to travel to either end to play games or slide back down to the ground.
Additional inclusive play equipment includes a springie, with a seating arrangement that allows children to get on and off without assistance, and an inclusive roundabout.
The Inclusive Roundabout has been designed to ensure disabled and able bodied children can enjoy the sensation of spinning, all together, at the same time. The roundabout includes anti-slip floor surfacing and has a designated wheelchair space with rubber backstops and inclusive seating. Sitting flush to the ground ensures there are no trip points or potential traps for users. A contrasting coloured handrail makes it easier for partially sighted users to hold on tight. The Inclusive Roundabout is speed restricted so that it will only rotate gently.
The final design also included a 25m cableway, freestanding play panels and talk tubes.
“The Town Council carried out an in-depth consultation with residents and specialist user groups to draw up a specification for the project. Inclusivity is a key requirement. The tenders from the competing contractors were carefully considered by a wide ranging panel and it was agreed Sutcliffe could best meet the many and varied requirements of the extended and refurbished play area – Meadowside Extraordinary Park.”
Nicki Oliver – Town Council Clerk – Whiteley Town Council
