Context

Theories Landscapes was approached to progress a client's preliminary ideas for creating a farm-themed visitor attraction at Ferring Country Centre in Worthing that was safe and simple but engaging for children.

Work undertaken

The available area, that was already fenced off, lent itself to a number of the company's standard attraction designs and various options were discussed with the client to see what met their vision and goals. The client opted for a simple tractor course designed in a way that toddlers would be able to navigate the course safely and easily.

The final design was one of the Theories' signature designs for an enclosed, circular toddler track with garages for the tractors, seating for adults, and a clearly delineated track area with safe run-off onto the surrounding grass.

Challenges

While the design was simple in concept, construction and installation, the project had a few challenges.

  1. The tractors are to be driven by toddlers. For enjoyment and safety, the track and run-off areas had to be clearly delineated, but also safe for the children to drive between the surfaces, so there needed to be no height difference or curb between the two surfaces.

  2. Choice of materials was very important for safety and maintenance.
    a) Rubber mulch was used for the track. It is made from recycled material, consistent in height, long-lasting with little or no maintenance and inherently safe if a child fell onto the track.
    b) Artificial grass is low-maintenance, inherently safe and provides the consistent level height needed between the grass and track surface, without needing the constant care and cutting that real grass requires.

This project was on a working farm that was to remain open to the public throughout so security fencing was installed, deliveries were at set times, and the use of machinery and movement of materials was closely monitored at all times.

Outcome

The project was completed on time and within the agreed budget, and met all of the client's goals.