Westbourne Community Trust first approached eibe Play in 2021 to begin discussions around a new community play space as part of its residential development in Westbourne, near Emsworth, Hampshire.

The Trust was established to deliver 12 affordable social rent homes for local people, supporting residents who are unable to rent or buy on the open market. Alongside housing, the Trust was keen to create a high-quality community play and recreation space that would benefit children, families, and the wider neighbourhood.

Project Brief

The key objective was to design a welcoming, inclusive play environment where children of all ages and abilities could play year-round. The Trust’s priorities included:

  • A natural-looking play space, using muted colours and natural materials

  • Full accessibility in all weathers, due to the site’s exposed location

  • Equipment suitable for children up to 12 years old, offering high play value

  • A unique feature to attract older children, while remaining suitable for beginners

To meet these requirements, the Trust asked eibe Play to incorporate a Pump Track designed explicitly for beginner scooter and bike riders, creating a fun and challenging feature that does not exclude younger or less confident riders.

Design & Equipment

The final design combined traditional play with active recreation and included a wide range of equipment to encourage swinging, climbing, rocking, and imaginative play. Selected items included Toddler and Junior Swings, including Inclusive and Nest Swing seats, a Frog Spring Rocker, Snail Play Structure, Lily Jumping Pads and Ema Climbing Unit.

Most of the equipment was manufactured from solid Robinia hardwood, enhancing the site's natural aesthetic and ensuring long-term durability.

For surfacing, grass matting was chosen beneath the play equipment. This solution met all safety requirements while maintaining a soft, natural appearance that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Wider Community Facilities

Given the site’s proximity to a primary school and nearby housing, the local council sought to have the space serve the entire community.

The existing play area consisted of outdated metal equipment and a well-used but ageing Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). While the MUGA remained popular, it required complete replacement. As part of the project, eibe Play designed and installed a new MUGA, featuring a new tarmac playing surface, fresh line markings and football goals and basketball hoops.

The Pump Track was constructed using on-site spoil and finished with a smooth tarmac surface, making it ideal for learning riders and increasing year-round usability.

To further improve accessibility, a bonded stone pathway was installed around the play area. This allows easy access in all weather conditions and provides an additional benefit as a potential informal running route for residents.

Delivery & Collaboration

Construction of the play space began in early August 2025, running alongside the build of the 12 homes and associated parking. The eibe Play team worked closely with Ascia Construction, coordinating housing and play space works and delivering a successful outcome for all stakeholders.

Outcome

This completed project represents the culmination of six years of dedication by a committed group of volunteers determined to address the affordable housing challenges facing Westbourne and many other villages across the South of England.

eibe Play is exceptionally proud to have contributed to this development. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Westbourne Community Trust, helping to ensure the play space, MUGA, and Pump Track remain valued and well-used community assets for years to come.