Overview

Theories Landscapes was invited to tender for three playground improvement projects for the City of London Corporation.

The client had engaged with local communities and identified the need to refurbish, replace and update the play areas within Hampstead Heath and was keen to work alongside Theories to ensure a positive outcome.

Requirement

Working with a Landscape Architect, the design incorporated the client's brief of bespoke natural timber play areas that offered challenging play environments for children of differing abilities and ages.

Project challenges

By pre-fabricating and part-building most of the play equipment the company was able to reduce the build time on site.

The site is located along a dirt road constantly in use by dog walkers, cyclists, joggers and other users of the Heath, making material deliveries by Theories' normal suppliers difficult to arrange. To overcome this a local haulage firm was used to deliver the prefabricated equipment to a central storage area in the main part of the Heath. Theories then moved equipment from there to site locations in smaller loads.

Lack of on site power and running water meant generators and water bowsers had to be used.

Vale of Heath

Situated in a clearing of the Heath woodland, this area would benefit from new play equipment including a bespoke hardwood timber play tower with a stepped log access, a fireman’s pole and a wide stainless steel slide. A sand play area, fallen tree scramble feature, two refurbished swings, living weaved willow tunnel and various carved wooden animal-themed seats were also installed.

Total build time: 3 weeks.

East Heath

This was the largest area to be redeveloped and, situated close to Hampstead Heath Underground and shops, has a higher number of visitors than the other locations.

New play equipment installed included a large hardwood timber-framed basket swing, sand play area with a climbable cargo box and sand play table, and a bespoke hardwood timber play tower with ramp scramble access, fireman’s pole and wide stainless steel slide.

Relocation of an existing swing and a new pathway helped consolidate the new play area layout.

Total build time: 3 weeks.

Heath extension

This third phase of redevelopment was funded by donations and monies raised by fundraisers from within the local community. As a result, this project gained a lot of interest from the public and press, as well as local dignitaries. Situated in a clearing surrounded by ancient oak woodland this play area was completely redeveloped with a large hardwood-framed basket swing, double-bay toddler swing, stepping logs, scramble nets and ropes, a bespoke hardwood timber play tower with ladder access, fireman’s pole and wide stainless steel slide. A fallen tree scramble log and living woven willow dome were also installed.

Total build time: 4 weeks.

Outcome

All three projects were completed on schedule and to budget. After play inspections were completed the projects were signed off.

Theories Landscapes fulfilled the client's brief and handed over the completed project ready to be reopened to the public.

The positive feedback and support from passing members of the public as well as everyone involved in the project showed how important these play spaces are for the local community.