Stowmarket Town Council appointed Proludic to design, supply and install the new Poppy Field Play Area at King’s Meadow Recreation Ground, creating a modern, inclusive play destination for toddler and junior-aged children.

The brief

The client’s brief called for an accessible, high-quality play area with a strong visual identity. The design needed to include swinging, bouncing, climbing and sliding activities, a central landmark structure, extensive safety surfacing, secure fencing, seating and a distinctive red, black, green and white colour palette to reflect the poppy theme.

Proludic’s design embraced this theme while respecting the Recreation Ground’s heritage as a registered war memorial site. Red and white poppy detailing, remembrance-inspired colours and carefully selected equipment helped create a play space that is both vibrant and sensitive to its setting. The scheme also includes a dedicated bench commemorating Second World War veteran Jim Grant, recognising his service and strong connection to the local community.

At the heart of the play area is the impressive Kanopé multiplay unit, standing 7 metres high and featuring five internal platforms, a 4.17-metre corkscrew slide, an internal climbing net, a viewing window, a 2.37-metre kayak slide, and a fire pole. Across the site, the design delivers more than 150 play values, capacity for over 150 users and 23 individual play items.

I have visited many play areas in the local area, and I am really proud of this one. I can probably say it is one of the best play areas in the area, and thanks to Proludic for that.

karl daniels, head of community services, Stowmarket Town Council

Creating a Quality Space for Inclusive Play

Inclusivity was central to the scheme. The play area includes an accessible ramp to a double-width slide with a landing platform, an inclusive wheelchair swing (J987), two inclusive trampolines and a flush inclusive roundabout (J2409), supporting children of different ages and abilities.

Brightly coloured green wetpour ties the space together and complements the central Kanopé multiplay unit. To add educational value, eight poppies are hidden across the equipment and fencing, creating a fun spotting game. A sign shares eight facts about the poppy and remembrance, helping children learn about its significance while they play.