Inclusive play area revamps unused space in Essex park

Challenge

Woodham Ferrers Parish Council wanted to update an unused outdoor play space in the Essex village that had fallen into disrepair. The tired condition of the area required a transformation as it had began to look very run down.

Being situated opposite a primary school, the proposed installation area would need to be attractive to primary school children up to 12 years of age, whilst still servicing a range of park visitors.

The idea was to provide an inclusive environment with a variety of equipment to encourage outdoor play suitable for different ages and abilities, and to also include seating for parents and children to sit and relax.

Solution

Sovereign set about proposing a range of equipment to suit these requirements and worked to provide several different options and designs to aid the transformation of the space into an all-encompassing and multi-purpose area to serve the local community.

After initial discussions took place, work began on transforming the play space and proposals put were forward. The large and diverse area required a selection of different equipment to cater to such a wide range of potential visitors. Equipment ranged from outdoor gym equipment for adults, timber teen bench for young adults, high and low level timber trail equipment for a range of abilities, disability-friendly basket swing, flat and cradle seat swings for different age groups, as well as three different towers including a timber Peaches Tower, timber Foxtail Tower and all-steel Niagara Tower.

The equipment was ordered and fitted in stages over a 2-3 year period and the area had different spaces to accommodate all visitors and their bespoke needs.

Safety surfacing, including grass guard tiles and wetpour, was installed to ensure all equipment complied to the necessary safety standards to ensure safe and fun play.

Outcome

The transformation of the area with the inclusion of all the new and diverse equipment has resulted in great feedback from residents and visitors alike. The area is busy at all key times and the different spaces accommodate all guests and their bespoke needs.

Testimonial

"From project start to finish the service from Sovereign is excellent. They give honest advice about suitability of the products for the intended areas, supply quality items at very attractive prices and keep you informed all the way. The staff are helpful and patient from the office staff to people on site installing the equipment. The company is very flexible and accommodating if plans change and if there are any issues after the project is complete these are dealt with quickly. Having used Sovereign for a number of large projects I would 100% recommend them without hesitation."
– Mrs K Kuderovitch – Clerk of the Council