Challenge

Heartlands is constructed on the site of a former tin mine in Redruth, Cornwall. The site was unused for many years, but rather than having it destroyed, the council instead chose to develop Heartlands into a free cultural playground. With a huge £30 million investment behind it, the site is a bold development that encompasses botanical gardens, interactive exhibitions and artists' studios.

Solution

LUC’s innovative landscape designers created the Diaspora Botanical Gardens, the park and the Adventure Playground , which celebrates the heroism, ingenuity and sheer bloody-mindedness that resulted in the Cornish 19th century success in deep metal mining. The park is inspired by Cornish identity, innovation and culture, creating an imaginative and inclusive site.

The largest free playground in Cornwall, the Heartlands play area uses an exciting array of equipment, including a play ship and ‘The Giant’s Trap’, a bespoke wooden climbing structure. In addition, the playground boasts an extensive Giant’s Lair, with a sand play area with diggers, subterranean tunnels and a sand transportation system. An oversized giant’s footprint creates a focal point within the landscaping, providing opportunities for experiential play with collected water and a link to fantasy role play.

The equipment has been selected to appeal to children of all ages. The Giant’s Trap serves as an irresistible draw for families, who clamber from one end of the piece of kit to the other. LUC selected a number of very unusual pieces of equipment, including the see-saw carousel, a large-scale piece that combines the fun and excitement of a see-saw and a roundabout.

Boulders are used throughout to create opportunities for adults to sit and children to leap. These natural features alongside grass banks, planting and winding paths all go towards creating a very pleasant environment for centre users to enjoy.

Outcome

Vicky Martin, Chief Executive of Heartlands, comments on the role of play within this exciting development:

“Play is a huge part of Heartlands’ ethos and the adventure playground is a terrific draw for families. Designed by local children and inspired by Cornish history and legend, the playground is the largest and wildest in Cornwall. Timberplay has been the ideal partner; their enthusiasm has been infectious and they have supported us every step of the way.”

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Equipment used: See-Saw Carousel Swing, Bespoke Fishing Boat, Building Site, Sand Transportation System, Small Excavator, Climbing Structure, Triangular Hut, Small Children’s Slide, Platform and Rope Bridge Combination, Pyramid Tower with stainless steel slide, Big Wind Wheel, House Group A, Big Playing House, Tarzan Rope with pendulum swing, Climbing Ropes, Balance Blocks, Rotating Beam, Big Railway, Small Acrobat Rig.

Landscaping: mounds, sand, newly planted trees and shrubs.

Surfacing: bark, sand, mulch, grass (with safety mats).