We opened this fantastic play area in readiness for the summer holidays and the enthusiastic feedback has been phenomenal ever since its been open. The truly positive reports from so many people has astounded us and the requests for us to design similar have been very welcome. The site, despite being in a stunning rural location of the South Hams in South Devon, has been a challenge – part due to the very steep slope that it originally was and part in due to some very wet weather in the first half of the year. We had to be mindful of neighboring properties, the requirements of demanding children, the requirements of parents wanting to enjoy taking their children to play, the limited access for working as well as being aware that the area is set within a natural South Devon area of beauty.
We carried out some very extensive groundwork and leveling to start with and then we allowed the ground to settle as well as trying to let it dry out from the constant rain for weeks at a time! We created three tiers that also had to incorporate and allow for the existing timber log frame that the local authority wished to retain.
The design focuses on the lower tier being for the younger children, with its larger area allowing easier pram access and parent interaction. The central tier mainly incorporates seating and shade where parents can monitor the children on all levels and can also enjoy the magnificent views when they are able to. From this central section there is an embankment slide descending back to the first tier as well as a unique bouldering wall linking the tiers. The upper tier incorporates the existing climber but also our Devon Log Adventure Climber and some Double Flat Seat Swings.
We linked the areas up with pathways, originally designed to be laid in bound rubber mulch but council budgets then restricted these to be in rubber grass matting. The rubber bound mulch in other areas works magnificently and looks amazing, also fitting in so well within the natural environment. We placed interactive panels around the edge of the area, these provide creative and role play for all abilities as well as encouraging the physical activity and use of all of the area by all children and adults alike. We fenced the area at the base with green steel bow top fencing which incorporates a yellow hydraulic self closing gate. We also supplied and installed various bird boxes around the perimeter too.
This has been a challenging but very rewarding project for us here at Rhino Play and we are proud to have been chosen to provide this fantastic facility.
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