Challenge

In early 2022, eibe Play was invited to tender for the refurbishment of the play area at Canal Fields in Berkhamsted. The previous play area had come to the end of its life, and Dacorum Borough Council wanted to create a play space that everyone could be proud of.

Berkhamsted has a proud, rich history, so there were plenty of elements that eibe Play could tap into to add theming within the new play space, from the remains of Berkhamsted Castle, located close to the play space, the Grand Union Canal that runs right next to it, and the coal deliveries that used to be loaded onto the trains leaving Berkhamsted being transported across the country.

The local area’s history was essential in designing the new play space, and eibe wanted to educate the local children about the town’s history, while providing a fun-packed play space.

Project detail

The play area has been designed for children 2-12 years, focusing on how to cater to children of all abilities. Play spaces must include a variety of fun play values that promote risk and challenge.

eibe opted for play equipment from the Paradiso Robinia range that offers various play opportunities for children of all ages, such as the large Isa multiplay unit within a bark pit. This item blends into the surroundings and provides children with three main towers connected by challenging crossings, including a green tunnel slide. This product will make the children feel like they are amongst the tree tops.

Alongside the multiplay unit are a junior swing frame and an inclusive floor roundabout. The roundabout allows children of all abilities, including wheelchair users, to play together. It has been installed onto an artificial surface, and can be accessed all year round.

A large sand pit sits opposite the Isa play unit, adding enormous play value to an already packed area. The sand pit includes construction chains and buckets, whilst the local children will have great fun finding the dinosaur fossils.

A toddler play unit is located along from the sand pit, offering a variety of play values such as climbing and sliding, promoting critical development skills for children of a young age.

eibe's Coal Train and tunnel is located next to it, and is designed to resemble the trains leaving Berkhamsted Station, transporting coal across the country.

Another advantage of this play space is that all the play equipment can be accessed via an all-weather path.

In the middle of the play space is a play mound with sleeping theming to resemble the remains of Berkhamsted Castle. Kids will have great fun climbing the castle remains to the stainless steel broad slide, which provides a fun route back down.

eibe refurbished several existing play items round the mound, giving them a new lease of life, and an Ema climbing tree, Duck spring rockers, and a 4-seater seesaw were added.

Outcome

eibe Play opened the play area in early August 2022, opening it up to be used and loved by the children eagerly waiting patiently outside. We are very proud of this play space and look forward to working alongside Dacorum Borough Council to ensure this play space