Challenge

Massey & Harris was appointed to design, manufacture and install play equipment for a brand new park in Mayfield, Manchester’s first city centre public park, spanning 6.5 acres and with a 1,400 square foot play space.

The challenge was combining the rich industrial history of Mayfield whilst providing play value for a vast range of children.

One of the more complex areas of the project was creating a slide over the newly uncovered river.

Process

The design process started with an initial site visit and concept sketches, through to 3D modelling and design for manufacture. 3D modelling is where clients can see a project begin to come to life, giving a better understanding of scale and allowing the designers to assess the feasibility of certain elements.

Accessibility was important - all children needed to feel welcome at Mayfield. Massey & Harris designed a specific access ramp to enable wheelchair users to directly access one of the play towers and enable them to use a specially-designed accessible slide.

The project was a team effort which took over 3 years.

Outcome

The final design and installation of Mayfield fuses industrial elements such as I-beams used on the swings, with natural elements such as Robinia used for parts of the trim trail.

The rich blue powder coating on the towers make them stand out and gives the overall aesthetic a modern and sleek look.

Massey & Harris believes it is important to help children develop their gross motor skills – the challenging elements at Mayfield really make this possible. There are a number of high towers and big slides, as well as play units for younger ones to enjoy.

Elements such as talk tubes and crawl tunnels provide break-out play opportunities.

Other equipment from Massey & Harris includes the crazy climber into one of the towers, the seesaw with an industrial twist, and the wheelchair-accessible roundabout inspired by cotton mill drums.