Overview

Following a site survey, Sutcliffe Play designed and installed a dynamic and inclusive play area at a new housing development in Renfrewshire. A wide array of equipment stimulates children's physical, social and cognitive development. New surfacing, gates, benches and picnic tables and bike stands were also installed.

Context

The play area at Elm and Maple Drive in Johnstone serves a newly-built housing estate nearby, with many more homes soon to follow. This up-and-coming location had always made it an ideal setting for a dynamic community space, as did its leafy surroundings, its proximity to a local school, and the large MUGA (multi-use games area) alongside it.

After being left vacant for a considerable period of time, however, only minimal equipment remained, and the playground required a comprehensive regeneration if it was to meet its huge potential.

In early 2025, following a competitive tendering process, Sutcliffe Play was awarded the contract to deliver this much-needed change.

Work undertaken

Sutcliffe Play began the project by conducting a thorough site survey, and finalising a design which met every aspect of Renfrewshire Council’s vision.

Play equipment

The company planned to introduce a wide array of new equipment for children of all ages, that would stimulate their physical, social and cognitive development. It was also very keen to include equipment which offered a very high level of accessible fun, including at ground level, for children of all ability levels. In the process, Sutcliffe Play would ensure that the new space was a welcoming one for the entire community.

Another key consideration was the robustness of the equipment, as the playground sits alongside a path which is frequently used by teenagers travelling to and from school every day. Mindful of this, Sutcliffe Play selected units primarily made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant metal and similarly durable materials, which would withstand heavy sustained usage, and also endure extreme weather conditions and require minimal maintenance over a long, multi-decade lifespan.

Multiplay unit for ages 6-14

Sutcliffe Play's centrepiece Long Climb multiplay unit dominates the space, bringing 6 stimulating play features for up to 12 young visitors aged 6 to 14. The unit’s innovative structure essentially offers two climbing towers in one, with one half providing easily accessible fun for younger or less confident users via a small entry ladder, and a more adventurous, harder to reach area which tests children’s strength and coordination. The two areas are separated by a challenging hand over hand section, while a stainless steel slide enables a swift return to ground level.

Multiplay unit for ages younger children

Meanwhile, for younger adventurers, a bright and colourful Duplex multi-play unit comprises 14 engaging elements both at ground level and within the unit itself, all designed to encourage social, imaginative and fantasy role play. These include a mini climbing wall (with hand holds for easy access), ‘bunk bed’ ladder, arch bridge (with finger maze, bunny hop and two finger trails), cat-themed head-through panel, stainless-steel slide, and more.

Inclusive play

Nearby, one of Sutcliffe Play's most popular inclusive items delivers on its ambition to create accessible fun for every young visitor in this new space. An Inclusive Roundabout brings big spinning fun for children with limited mobility, with its in-ground design allowing it to accommodate a centrally positioned wheelchair. It also features a 2-user seat with backrests as well as a scooter-friendly handle, and its colour-contrasting edge acts as a visual indicator for partially sighted users, further boosting the unit’s inclusivity. To reflect the inclusive intentions of the unit’s design, Sutcliffe Play ensured that the roundabout was installed with ample space around it, boosting the accessibility of the unit and providing plenty of space for free-flowing, open play.

Swings

Finally, a 3-bay Modular Swing Frame features a variety of seats: two classic Flat Seats bring a more traditional swing experience for older or larger users, whilst a single Cradle Seat is ideal for children of toddler age. In addition, an eye-catching Duo Pod Seat enables two children to face each other as they swing, inspiring plenty of memorable experiences. A Turtle Shell Nest Seat takes this even further, with its innovative, open bird's nest design able to support a group of children swinging at once.

Surfacing

The durability of the equipment was matched by the space’s new wet pour rubber surfacing, a material which is known for its longevity. It also provides the playground with a smooth, consistent and slip-resistant finish, ensuring much greater accessibility for visitors with limited mobility or those in wheelchairs, as well as parents with buggies and prams. The surfacing is also aesthetically impactful, with its many brightly coloured elements helping to make the playground eye-catching and visually engaging for all.

Play area infrastructure

Sutcliffe Play also made improvements to the space’s infrastructure which enhance every aspect of the visitor experience. New self-closing gates, new benches with back and arm rests – ideal for parents and carers to use whilst watching their children play – and an inclusive, wheelchair-accessible picnic table all ensure a smoother and more comfortable visit for everyone. Alongside these, a hoop bike stand provides a convenient place for young people to store their bikes, and a robust new litter bin keeps the space clean and free from litter.

Outcome

The Elm and Maple Drive play area is unrecognisable from its former self, with a diverse array of dynamic new equipment delivering fun for all.

Testimonial

“Working with Sutcliffe Play was a highly positive experience. They mobilised quickly and ensured that the project got underway without delay, and their ability to coordinate and execute the work efficiently meant it was completed in a very short timeframe.

Throughout the process, communication was a real strong point and the team kept in regular contact, providing consistent updates. Overall, Sutcliffe Play demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and a clear commitment to delivering quality outcomes on time.

The new play area at Elm and Maple Drive is a huge improvement, and we are particularly pleased with the variety of inclusive play equipment. It will be a great addition to the new housing estate currently being built across the road.”

– Georgia Bell, Lead Officer (Open Spaces & Parks), Renfrewshire Council