Housing a Community Play Space!

Client: West Berkshire District Council & Redrow Homes
Budget: £220,000
Funding: S106 Funding
Age Range: Toddler/Junior/Teen

Project Brief
The main aim of the project was to create a community play space for children and families to meet and play. West Berkshire were keen to provide a destination play area on a local level, that communities nearby could enjoy and visit.
West Berkshire District Council were responsible for managing the tender process and were particularly interested in attaining a high level of play value. Two companies were asked to present their proposals and comment on added value services they could offer. After this presentation, the decision was made in favour of Nottingham based company Proludic.
This was mainly down to their unique product range and strict adherence to the brief. It was also considered that Proludic were able to offer a superior after sales and maintenance service.
“We were impressed by the Proludic layout and how the equipment used provided such diverse activities that children can take part in.” (Stuart Souden, West Berkshire District Council).

Play Area
Due to the play area’s location and size, it was decided to use a tried and tested formula, but with unique and individual elements. This consisted of a fenced off Wetpour area with metal equipment. However to ensure this was not too sterile, West Berkshire wanted to provide lots of dynamic and moving equipment that a variety of users could enjoy. The area has traditional toddler play, challenging junior equipment and dynamic teenage specific range.
Spread throughout the site is a selection of suitable seating for parents and children who want a space to meet up with their friends. This includes a social exercise station with three inward facing exercise bikes. This unit forms part of the Proludic Vitality range; based on common gym themes, the equipment aims to encourage active lifestyles.
DDA compliant pieces of play equipment were used, such as the pod swing, Springers and the speed Gyro roundabout – ensuring that children of all abilities are able to use the equipment.

Outcome
Kennett Heath Play Area was installed at the end of August and has already had a very positive response from people in the community. Thatcham town council have been in touch with West Berkshire to say how delighted they are with the play facilities.
“For us it is the biggest play area in the town and has provided fitness based equipment that is also fun – which is a great concept!” (Mel Alexander, Thatcham Town Council).

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