As a nationwide play designer and manufacturer, we are always proud to deliver dynamic play opportunities to children across the country, and beyond – but in early 2024, a site much closer to home required a substantial upgrade. Much of the existing equipment at the Rose Estate Play Area, down the road from our head office in Upton, West Yorkshire, had grown tired and in need of replacement. We were delighted to partner with Upton and North Elmsall Parish Council to carry out this important work, and provide the transformation that this much-loved community play area deserved.
Meeting the Challenge
We began by conducting a thorough site survey, and creating a design which gave full consideration to every element of the brief. We envisaged a play space with a strong mixture of challenging equipment to stretch the abilities of junior age children, whilst being equally welcoming to younger visitors, as well as those with disabilities or increased accessibility requirements.
We commenced our work by removing existing pieces of equipment which were no longer fit for purpose, before introducing new grass mat surfacing. This would not only provide a safe foundation on which children could play, but also seamlessly integrate with the grassland terrain.
Finally, the playground was populated with a vibrant selection of some of our most popular equipment, delivering a diverse range of play experiences including swinging, spinning, balancing, rocking and climbing.
Play For All
Our Assault Course climbing frame immediately catches the eye, and acts as a focal point of the new space. With 8 play features for up to 17 children aged 6 to 14, its high decks feature a number of access points, including a pull-up ramp, a 1.5m rope climb, a hoop climber, a 2.4m climbing wall, and a 2.4m vertical climbing net. Alongside them, an inclined flexi hand-over-hand helps to develop users’ upper body strength, and a stainless-steel slide provides an exhilarating route back to ground level.
Nearby, our Space Trainer rotator offers another testing experience, enabling thrilling spins for users aged 8 to 16 who are able to successfully manipulate their centre of gravity to get it rotating at maximum speed. Its green HPL and grey metallic aesthetic also corresponds with the same colours on much of the other new equipment, bringing a pleasing aesthetic consistency to the play area.
Whilst a major focus was placed on high-quality play for older and more able children, we also sought to do the same for younger visitors, and those with disabilities. Our Inclusive Skate Wheelchair Roundabout provides a spinning sensation for all to enjoy, with its inground design and non-slip features able to accommodate a centrally positioned wheelchair, alongside a seat offering comfort for parents, carers or friends. A brand new, smooth tarmac pathway was also created which leads directly to the new roundabout, ensuring that this inclusive piece was fully accessible.
Elsewhere, our colourful ‘Denzel the Dragon’ Springie enables rocking fun in the form of a friendly, recognisable character for children aged 2 to 8. Its foot and heel rails help to support and guide users’ feet, whilst a comfortable, non-slip rubber moulded seat and ergonomic upright handles give excellent grip, forming an open-fronted design which allows easy access for all.
Finally, we ensured that the timeless playground experience of visiting the swings was well represented in the finished site. Three of our extendable Modular Swing Bays host an excellent mixture of seats, including two classic Flat Seats for a more traditional experience, two of our body-hugging, comfortable Pod Seats for younger visitors, and an open ‘Turtle’ nest seat which enables three to four users of all abilities to swing together, and enjoy social interaction.
Serving the Community
Pat Kitchin, Parish Clerk for Upton and North Elmsall Parish Council, said: ‘We have worked closely with Sutcliffe Play for a number of years on re-developing our play areas, and they have been most helpful and supportive from start to completion with the Rose Estate project. The play area makes such a positive difference to our community, and the Parish Council look forward to working with Sutcliffe Play in the future.’
As a proud Yorkshire-based company, we are always delighted to give back to the community that has shaped us. Revitalising this much-loved local play space, which is so important to the people of Upton, allowed us to make our mark on the village in more ways than one – and delivered an array of exciting play opportunities to children on our doorstep.
