Overview

Designed by Proludic using feedback from residents as part of a consultation that collated opinions, a new play area at Pennington Flash is part of a £2.7m makeover of the much-loved beauty spot – now part of the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve.

Project detail

This inclusive, nature-themed family play area attraction features a range of high-specification play equipment, such as an inclusive wheelchair seesaw, Origin’ Major Projects tall towers with interconnecting crawling tubes, a multitude of swings, and a central ‘Toddler Lake’ for younger children to enjoy.

Designed to blend in with its natural surroundings, the play area boasts a variety of wildlife-inspired attractions suitable for children up to 11 years – including equipment modelled on ducks, swans and other birds. This is all designed to make the user connect further with the reserve and provide educational context for the wildlife that can be found in the Flashes.

The Toddler Lake for under-fives features wooden climbing equipment in the shape of a swan’s nest with a two-seater swan springer next to it, while there is also a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and seesaw as well as picnic tables for families to sit and relax together.

Outcome

The completed project now represents the perfect destination park that further enhances the natural surroundings for the residents of Leigh and Wigan to enjoy all year round.

Testimonials

“We’re delighted with our brilliant new adventure playground and it was truly wonderful to see all the smiles on the faces of the children who came along to have their first play! It’s going to be a fantastic facility for local families and for the many thousands of visitors who come to enjoy a day out at Pennington Flash.”
– Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Deputy Leader of Wigan Borough Council

“The attention to detail is fantastic from having the heron’s nest on top of the tall play tower to the replication of bull rushes on the balancing equipment adds to the sense that you are connecting further to the beautiful natural surrounds. My daughter loves it here and the space has been considerably improved from the tired play area that was here prior.”
– Parent

Comments

“We were inspired by Pennington Flash and wanted to include elements that would reflect its natural beauty and help teach children about the diversity of wildlife in this wonderful habitat. Many well-known local birds will be found ‘hiding’ throughout the play space while our inclusive range of equipment will make use of materials that complement the surrounding environment.”
– Oscar Lorraine, Sales & Marketing Director, Proludic Ltd