Challenge

A brand new, state of the art, modern sports centre has been built in Elgin, North East, Scotland complete with new inclusive play area. The purpose-built sports centre has been developed after Moray Sports Foundation launched a ‘Capital Appeal Programme’ to raise funds of £12 million.
Established in 2015, the Moray Sports Foundation, a Scottish Registered Charity whose primary vision is to is to improve and deliver sporting facilities and activities for all members of the community in Moray for all ages and abilities, as well as sports-people and athletes.

The multi-facility Moray Sports Centre which opened in August is unique in its approach of being more than a sports centre by providing a vibrant community hub that encourages social opportunities. As part of this aim, Moray Sports Centre had the aspiration to build an outdoor inclusive play area that would include play opportunities for children of all abilities. 

Solution

The outdoor space has been transformed into a new and vibrant Proludic inclusive play area for Toddlers, Juniors, and their families to enjoy.

Bold and colourful graphics were also included in the wetpour surfacing to create a space that stimulates the senses and makes it an engaging space to use. All in all, children can now enjoy spinning, bouncing, swinging, sliding and tactile play experiences in a safe environment.

Outcome

Kathryn Evans, Moray Sports Centre chief executive, said: “We went to the community nearly two years ago to ask what they would like to see in an inclusive playpark – the likes of which doesn’t exist in Moray at present. Proludic provided a unique design with various inclusive pieces of playground equipment intended to be fully accessible so that people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses can play alongside able-bodied peers. The site features a wheelchair-accessible swing and trampoline and ground-level roundabout, all of which can take wheelchair-users as well as able-bodied children. Additionally, there is a puzzle play panel, sensory chimes that can be struck with hammers to make melodies. A small Multiplay Unit with a dual slide with low-level platforms and pod swing completes the area. Non-members are welcome to use the play area, which can accommodate up to 18 children at one time