Sutcliffe Play is celebrating the completion of two new playgrounds in France.
The design and installation of two sites – Square Fosse Maussoin in Clichy-sous-Bois, in the eastern suburbs of Paris, and Square Olivier Lahalle in Langres, north eastern France – were completed following a consultation process with the Mayors of both regions.
The final plans for both sites were presented to residents, with proposals submitted to the inhabitants in Langres during a series of neighbourhood meetings.
The playground at Square Fosse Maussoin, Paris – the only playground in that part of the city – was designed to complement the adjacent Parc Fosse Maussoin, which offers a shared garden and plantations for young urban residents.
Natural wooden equipment from the Sutcliffe Play Orchard range was used to align with the natural theme of Parc Fosse Maussoin, including the Toot & Slide which features a slide, binoculars and music pipes, and the Sabre, a climbing frame complete with a rope bridge and a banister rail for sliding – both of which provide excellent opportunities for inclusive play.
In Langres, the location of the Square Olivier Lahalle playground inside the historical city centre meant that agreement needed to be sought from the Architect of the Buildings of France (ABF); a body of civil servants belonging to the Architects and urban planners of the State (AUE) and charged with the maintenance and conservation of monuments, buildings and locations of cultural heritage.
The challenge of incorporating a variety of activities across three distinct areas, which would appeal to all children aged between two and 10 years, and which included natural materials such as wood to blend into the surroundings.
Using kit from the Orchard range, the Langres site features the Rex unit, which includes net climb challenges on either side, a wooden climbing wall, and slide; Balance Walk, for traversing, balance and co-ordination; Embankment Slide, which works with the natural landscape, and a Rope Bridge.
The equipment at both sites provides a multitude of opportunities for children of varying ages and abilities to play together, as well as being built to last, with natural wooden features and green metallic elements.
