Challenge
eibe Play was tasked with creating a natural-looking play space in the seaside town of Dawling to provide local children with fun and challenging play equipment with an all-accessible surface.
The existing play space consisted of a mixture of play equipment on wet pour safer surfacing, and the majority of the equipment had come towards the end of its working life.
After the Council went through a consultation stage with the local community, eibe Play was awarded the play area refurbishment contract.
Solution
eibe Play submitting its design proposal and quickly engaged with the Council to refine the play equipment chosen.
The first process was to identify suitable equipment to include. It was necessary at this point to have the right amount of play equipment that caters for the broadest age group possible. Also, with this in mind, it was essential to include the right amount of play value which also offers the children a variety of play features and options to use the play space. This could consist of swinging, bouncing, balancing and jumping.
eibe Play chose its Robinia Paradiso range and Unique Softwood pine range. It would give the play area a natural look whilst providing the school with the right play equipment.
After a couple of minor amendments, the manufacturing of the equipment commenced.
Toddler play area
As the children enter the play space, they are greeted by a Winja Toddler Unit. This toddler climbing piece provides numerous play experiences such as sliding, climbing and jumping whilst offering key learning development opportunities such as role play and social interaction.
Various play panels are located around the Toddler Climbing Unit, and two bespoke Black Swan spring rockers. Numerous themed play panels surround these items, including the chance for the children to join the Orange Army or create their very own Black Swan. These items improve social and puzzle-solving skills whilst providing an inclusive play item. Next to these is a Robinia Dingy. Toddlers will have great fun acting out like pirates or sailors as they sail the seas around Devon.
eibe Play chose a wet pour safer surfacing for this area, which allowed it to theme the safer surfacing to add extra meaning and enhance the end user's experience. This can be seen with the railway tracks and sea-themed colours around the ships.
Early juniors play area
Wherever possible, eibe Play included play equipment that can represent elements of Dawlish’s rich history. For example, an Inclusive Play Ship resembles the trawlers and fishing boats that have been fishing off the coast of Dawlish for years. The train directly opposite was included to highlight the historic train station and tracks going along the coast.
Separated junior play area
Moving into the separated junior area, the Play Unit Han multiplay unit was chosen for older juniors. This play item is designed for children aged from 7 upwards and provides a challenging and fun play experience. It has been designed to make the children feel like they are playing high up in the trees, offering plenty of routes down if they are not quite ready to take on the next crossing. Located in this area also is a Snake Swing, which allows numerous users to enjoy its excellent play value at once, and a Nest Swing and Junior Swing seat combination. Towards the other side of the junior play space, eibe Play added a selection of its Robinia trail, which challenges children with risk-taking skills and improves critical development skills such as eye–hand co-ordination and balancing.
A natural, safer surface, to ensure it kept in with the natural surroundings, was chosen throughout this scheme. Bonded mulch in browns and greens with various natural patterns, this surface is accessible all year round for all types of users. This is equally important for prams and wheelchairs.
eibe Play had to deal with a very tricky access route, which was down a steep slope by a hospital and made sure they liaised with the Council during the installation and delivery to ensure they avoided any possible issues that might arise during this period.
Result
The play area was opened in early February, on a lovely winter’s afternoon, with the local children eagerly anticipating its opening. The local community continued to use the play equipment until dusk, and the play area has been packed ever since.
eibe play looks forward to supporting the community for years to come and has been overjoyed with the positive feedback it has received.
