Pushing the Boundaries - Case Study

Client: Rushcliffe Borough Council
Budget: £120,000
Funding: Capital Funding
Age Range: 0 – 12 Years

“From the initial tender Proludic provided an exceptional service from their tender submission with their excellent proposal.” (Derek Hayden, Community Safety Manager, Rushcliffe Borough Council).

Client Background
Rushcliffe Borough Council wanted to refurbish the existing play area for 0-12 years at Boundary Road in West Bridgford, Nottingham. The site itself is situated in a large open field, providing great opportunities to adapt the play area.

Project Brief
Rushcliffe already had existing facilities for teenagers in the form of cycle ramps and a teenage shelter. They wanted to retain this but also provide a separate and modern area for younger children. These facilities really needed to be updated, especially as a local preschool is located just across the road from the play space.

Unique Design
Local company Proludic were chosen to undertake the project from start to finish.
As Rushclffe Borough Council wanted the site to be wetpour surfaced, Proludic incorporated theming and unique design features to liven it up.
The main theme for the site was woodland as the site has a very rural feel, despite its location in the middle of a busy residential area.
The focal point of the site is a large mound with stepping stones, boulders and a bespoke, built in climbing wall. This feature adds a natural feel, is unusual and exciting for children and centrally located. It provides opportunities for imaginative play, a social area to sit and a great viewing spot that over looks the entire site.

Equipment
Other equipment incorporated in the design is a Gyrospiral seesaw, Speed Gyro roundabout, themed springers, a cable way and pod swing. The multiplay unit is part of the Proludic Kanope range, which takes its inspiration from nature and trees. Balancing trails around the outside of the site also provide great combinations between natural and man made materials.

The Teens
Rushcliffe did not want to isolate teenagers from this area, but they did want to ensure clear boundaries were made in distinguishing toddlers’ spaces from teenager spaces. To combat this Proludic offered to install a Dynamic sports item next to the teenage shelter and cycle ramps. This ensured that the teenagers were not forgotten about in this scheme and clearly defined their own areas to play.

Outcome
Boundary Road Play Area was completed in February 2009 but had its official opening day in May 2009. Since being open the council have been inundated with positive letters remarking on the difference the play area has made to the community.
It has become a ‘Destination Park’ to many, which was not its original intention. Due to the popularity of the site, the council now have to consider including additional car parking spaces to accommodate its demand.
Derek Hayden comments:

“The finished play area has surpassed my expectations with the community has taken the area to their heart’s which is constantly packed with children, teenagers and parents all enjoying the facility”.

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