Challenge

Sutcliffe Play won the contract to complete a substantial upgrade to Blackfriars play area in Great Yarmouth in early 2024 and worked with Great Yarmouth Borough Council to realise its ambition of designing and installing an inclusive new nautical-themed play space.

Solution

The company began by conducting a thorough site survey, before finalising a design which corresponded to every element of the brief provided. Along with delivering many classic play experiences such as climbing, spinning, swinging and balancing, the new equipment would also honour the play space’s proximity to the sea with a range of nautical-themed pieces, and provide an appropriate accompaniment to a nearby museum, which also focused on the town’s marine history and heritage.

The project included the removal of many older pieces of existing equipment as well as the introduction of Playtop with Nike Grind surfacing – a safe, consistent and durable foundation for the new space, sustainably made from recycled Nike trainers.

The company provided regular updates to the Great Yarmouth community in the form of a new progress page on its website, regularly updated and easily accessible from a QR code displayed at the site. This page offered a welcome opportunity for Sutcliffe Play to explain the work it was doing, as it introduced a variety of dynamic new equipment.

One of the major new additions was the Boat Climber multiplay unit. This subtly themed frame includes many nautical elements, and offers 13 play activity features which enable co-operation and social interaction for up to 19 users aged 2 to 6. It is complemented by a smaller Pirate Ship themed static seat for up to four children, and with a high sided stern, bow and seat backs, budding young pirates can enjoy a degree of enclosure whilst inside, enhancing their fantasy and imaginative play.

Another multiplay climber brings additional thrills, with a Minnow unit providing 5 play features for up to 14 users aged 2 to 6, as well as shallow climbing ramp access and a transfer platform that any child with upper body strength can play on, plus a running bridge inside to facilitate social play.

Some of the company's most popular and durable items deliver two more classic playground experiences: the Inclusive Roundabout features a wide central space which is able to incorporate a wheelchair as well as carers, allowing all to enjoy the spinning motion together, and up to 4 users can utilise the roundabout’s seat or deck-mounted ‘scooter’ to propel it around. Elsewhere, an extendable Modular Swing Frame features an open Turtle-Shell seat, allowing for a communal swinging experience for numerous children, including those with more advanced mobility requirements, whilst an existing frame hosts two comfortable Pod Seats.

Finally, a dynamic Wipe Out board delivers a more testing play experience for slightly older children, with its surfboard design perfectly shaped to text the balance and co-ordination of children aged 8-15.

Outcome

Following the completion of this project, Sutcliffe Play was delighted to join local families and representatives of the Council (including Mayor Paula Waters-Bunn) at the grand opening in August 2024, where the new play space was deemed a resounding success by the younger visitors.

Testimonial

"It brings me great joy to see this work completed, ready to welcome a new generation of playful adventurers. One of the standout features of this refurbishment is the introduction of new inclusive play equipment which means children of all abilities can enjoy the playground, making it a welcoming and accessible space for everyone."
– Paula Waters-Bunn, Mayor