Context

Following an on-site consultation, eibe Play used its range of equipment to design and install a new inclusive play and sports area at Fareham Park. Its products met Fareham Borough Council's requirements for the new MUSA (multi-use social area) and gym equipment scheme.

Challenge

Fareham Borough Council decided to invest in a new MUSA (multi-use social area) and gym equipment scheme as part of its master plan for Fareham Park and drew up tender documents for a brand-new play space and sports area.

The existing play area was outdated and reaching the end of its working life. The current play area offered the community minimal play value and the safety surfacing was starting to require significant repairs. Next to the current play area is an old tarmac multi-sports games area. While this remained very popular with the local community, it showed signs of age and needed repair, much like the play area.

Solution

eibe Play and Fareham Borough Council have a strong and historic relationship, having previously worked on various destination parks for them over the years, including Holly Hill and Abbey Meadows.

The Council initially met eibe Play's Play Consultant, Stuart Evans, on-site to discuss the requirements. The location, which is very popular with dog walkers and local families, is in the middle of a playing field and adjacent to a secondary school. The field is regularly used for sports, such as football.

The design process started immediately, and eibe Play set about designing a new and exciting scheme for the community surrounding Fareham Park, which will be used by many generations to come.

The play area is designed to be inclusive and accessible year-round. It will promote physical and social development for children aged 2 to 18 and featuring exciting play experiences with equipment for all users, including those using wheelchairs, ensuring no-one is left out. Quiet areas have been incorporated for relaxation and talking to friends.

The size of the play area meant it was really important that eibe Play maximised the play value and provided a play area for all abilities. The company wanted to create a play area that children could use throughout their childhood that they would never tire of .

The artificial surface was an essential part of the overall scheme. eibe Play used wet pour safer surfaces and tarmac throughout the scheme. These will provide a long-lasting and durable surface, while also making it ideal for wheelchair and pram users to access the equipment all year-round.

The play items are made from eibe Play's steel and pine ranges, all selected to require minimal maintenance.

An accessible play unit allows children aged 2 to 12 years old to climb with friends, experiencing several different crossings and ways on and off the unit. This multiplay unit also provides children with ample development opportunities, such as eye-hand coordination and upper body strength. They can climb to the top of the tower and go down either of the two slides. This play unit also includes a lower platform area with play panels that are easily reached using the wheelchair-accessible ramp.

eibe Play believes that retaining any existing play equipment which is in good condition can only enhance the play value offered to the children and has given a new lease of life to the toddler, junior and snake swings from the old play area with a fresh coat of paint.

Additional equipment is included for children of all ages, including eibe Play's wheelchair-accessible seesaw and inclusive roundabout. The unique eibe Play Tough Trail will allow children aged 8-14 years to practice their parkour and agility skills as they challenge themselves to get from one platform to the other.

The MUGA area will provide children of all ages with a dry surface to play sports on with their friends and families. The running track located around it offers an ideal opportunity for children and adults of all ages to improve their fitness and race with their friends and family.

eibe Play was awarded the scheme in June 2024, and the manufacturing process commenced after consultation. The installation started on-site towards the end of 2024, with the play area opening to the public in time for spring 2025.

Outcome

eibe Play is exceptionally proud to have worked alongside Fareham Borough Council on this fantastic new play space, and looks forward to working alongside the Council for years to come to help ensure this and the rest of its play spaces are a success.