After the completion of a newly built housing estate at Spitfire Green in Ramsgate, Kent, (named due to the town’s historic ties to the Royal Air Force), developers Barratt David Wilson Homes now required a dynamic play space in the heart of the new neighbourhood. We were delighted to collaborate with them from beginning to end on this project, and demonstrate our capacity to work effectively with partners in the private sector – as with our most frequent clients in local government.
Like the new neighbourhood surrounding it, the playground was to be developed from scratch – this ruled out the possibility of conducting a traditional site survey, as would be typical when transforming an existing play space. Instead, we utilised architect’s drawings in order to complete an installation which would fit seamlessly with the local landscape. As a LEAP (Local Equipped Area for Play), the new playground would require an activity area of at least 400m², it had to serve homes within a 240-metre radius, and it should also include seating for parents/carers (among other requirements) – most crucially, it also needed to offer experiences primarily for children who were beginning to play independently. We worked hard throughout the installation process to fully comply with these vital guidelines.
We began by introducing new grass mat surfacing, which would provide a safe foundation for play whilst integrating over time with the grassland terrain (1.5 acres of which surrounded the new estate). Essential infrastructure was also added, including a new 1-metre-high fence around the perimeter, as well as a self-closing pedestrian gate and two benches, whilst a new steel litter bin helps to keep the area clean and tidy.
A Natural Fit
We then introduced a range of exciting new equipment, which would offer huge play value to children of toddler age and upwards. The majority of the items come from our wood-based Orchard range, and feature a charming natural aesthetic which blends with the rural surroundings:
Our Rex climbing frame offers 11 play feature activities for the same number of users, with a metal slide providing a smooth journey back to ground level for those who complete the ascent. The unit is also sustainably sourced and manufactured using locally farmed, replenished pine logs, as well as natural rubber components made from sustainably milked latex – and durability against wet rot, dry rot, and insect infestation is offered via the pressure treated posts.
Our Baby Mammoth climbing frame is another wooden-focused unit which furthers the aesthetic, and offers fun for up to 10 users between 2 and 6 years old. Its 6 play features include low-level activity panels ideal for younger children, as well as steps and a rope bridge, both offering challenge for more confident toddlers before they return to ground level via the metal slide.
The theme continues with our 2.4m Orchard wooden swing, complete with a bird’s nest-style seat. The seat is designed especially to take several young children, including those with disabilities, thereby enabling them to swing together and enjoy the thrill of communal play.
In the same vein, our two-bay wood and metal frame hosts two large Flat Seats for a more conventional swinging experience, one of our colourful Pod seats which hugs the child as they swing, and our space-saving Duo Pod seat, which holds two young children simultaneously, and delivers double the utility of the Pod seat in the same amount of space.
Finally, our Dish Roundabout provides an extra avenue for inclusive play. This 3mm thick mild steel dish contrasts visibly and tangibly with the preponderance of wooden equipment, and brings some engaging textural diversity to the space. As well as facilitating very fast dynamic play when spun, its open shape and design deliver good body support and security for two users, whilst its height and angle enable side transfer and minimise the lifting required by helpers. This is pivotal for increasing the child’s confidence and sense of their own independence, delivering on two of the key cornerstones of fulfilling play in the process.
Exceeding Expectations
Jon Collcutt, Technical Manager at Barratt David Wilson Homes, said: ‘Sutcliffe Play collaborated with us to design an exciting LEAP from scratch, which has made a real difference to the new community at Spitfire Green. We’re thrilled with the results of their work – and their equipment is already bringing lots of fun to local families.’
We are delighted to have played our part in providing a precious local amenity almost literally on the doorstep of this brand-new neighbourhood. We can’t wait for countless local families to visit and explore their new play space in the years to come, and we’re proud to have helped create a happier, healthier community for all at Spitfire Green.