Following the success of a space-themed Northern Play Area installed in 2016, Massey & Harris was approached by Manchester City Council (MCC) to design the centrepiece play unit for the new Lakeside Play Area at Heaton Park.

MCC requested a nature-inspired piece of equipment that would provide height and climbing challenges, giving a wide range of children a daring and exhilarating experience.

Massey & Harris took inspiration from growing buds and seed pods to create two striking play structures with 4 and 5m high decks. A series of lower treehouse decks lead up to the Bud towers providing a wide range of play features. The surrounding trees inspired the design of the lower decks with its abstract trunk created using laser-cut steel, and a canopy crafted from Robinia timber panels.

The climbing features become increasingly challenging as kids move up the decks. The journey starts with a small chain net, crazy climber and incline climbing wall. To cross to the highest deck they navigate a tricky wavy bridge. The lower decks are fitted with a bannister rail slide and fireman’s pole. The impressive Bud towers both have large stainless steel slides attached: a steep drop slide from the 4m deck; and an exhilarating spiral slide from the 5m deck.

Massey & Harris also manufactured a lower, wide trough embankment slide which was installed onto a rock stack next to the play unit.

Outcome

The design of this impressive play unit sits beautifully within its natural setting and provides a wide range of challenging and exciting play for children, stimulating development and delivering lots of fun.