Challenge

Wicksteed was contracted by Thorne-Moorends Town Council to transform the existing play area at Memorial Park into an inventive, creative, inclusive and stimulating space for children.

The Council, in partnership with the local community, set out to revitalise the children’s play area in a way that subtly referenced the park’s heritage while catering to children of all ages and abilities. Special educational needs and sensory elements were to be incorporated, along with equipment to engage different age groups. Consideration was also given to parent and guardian areas, while additional equipment for teenagers was planned outside the fenced perimeter. Materials were to be robust, with a preference for painted metal construction over timber.

Project detail

Following an inspection in June 2023, much of the existing park was removed due to safety concerns. Recognising that the previous design did not fully accommodate children of all abilities, the Council engaged with play providers, local children and families to ensure the new play space met community expectations.

As part of the process, the Council requested two design submissions based on the tender requirements - one at £120K, and one at £220K. The Council pursued option 2 and was successfully awarded £97,249 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Solution

The new play area blends education and play, incorporating historical elements of Thorne-Moorends into both the equipment and surfacing. Each play item tells a story of the area’s heritage, adding an educational dimension to the space while maintaining high play value. Thoughtful planning ensured the play area’s new location is 12m away from Parklands Care Home, minimising disruption. The entire fenced area features wet pour surfacing, creating a fully inclusive environment for wheelchair users to access play equipment.

A standout feature of the new park is Peel Hill Motte, a bespoke castle-themed multiplay unit designed specifically for Memorial Park. The castle has a variety of play elements, including three different slides - a bannister slide, a double-width slide, and a high steel slide - alongside rope climbing and rising bridges. To engage the community, a bespoke panel was incorporated into the castle unit at the Council’s request.

Another highlight is the Memorial Poppy Springy, a tribute to the park’s heritage, providing a safe and engaging experience for younger children. Every element within the play area has been carefully designed to encourage exploration, creativity and active play.

Throughout the installation process, local schools were invited to observe progress, fostering excitement and anticipation for the completed project. To celebrate the launch, the Council hosted a soft opening on 21st March, followed by the official opening on 22nd March, where Wicksteed provided balloons, bunting and 300 goody bags for attendees.

Outcome

The transformation of Memorial Park play area has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The Council expressed its appreciation for the smooth-running project and the positive engagement with local schools.

The revitalised Memorial Park play area now stands as a testament to community collaboration, bringing together history, inclusivity, and engaging play opportunities for generations to come.

Testimonial

“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all your hard work throughout the project. From start to finish, the programme ran smoothly, and you both played a pivotal role in ensuring we kept to the schedule. Your ability to engage with the schools was excellent, and the contractors went above and beyond to make sure everything was on track. I would be more than happy to provide a reference should you ever need one, and I hope we get the chance to work together again in the future.”
– Sam Goodfellow, Clerk to the Council