Churchfields Recreation Ground, Elmbridge

As Churchfields Recreation Ground is a highly rated space which needed to be ready before the school holidays, the stakes were high for the council’s team. Residents wanted first and foremost a playground “with a great atmosphere” and a design mindful of the natural setting.

Local parents also requested loads of different activities encouraging physical activity and imagination. Children queuing to play on a piece of equipment are a common sight at Churchfields Recreation Ground, so each unit needed to offer high play value and cater for a wide range of users. Several play zones catering for different ages groups were created.

The toddler area boasts a playful nautical theme to spark the imagination of small children, whilst a large, bespoke multi-play unit with jungle-inspired graphics provides older children with a variety of play options. Picnic tables and seating options were added to create a social area where parents and carers can congregate and supervise the children easily. The existing trees were carefully protected during the installation.

Elmbridge Borough Council’s Green Spaces Development Officer Laura Richardson comments on the UniMini and UniPlay units: “Both structures make the most of the space and include role play activities and games at ground level, contrary to some competitors’ products where the ground floor is an unused, dead space. This is one of the reasons why HAGS design scored highly in the evaluation.”

The new site generated the excitement expected and even the Mayor of Elmbridge had her share of fun. “What a phenomenal playground! My favourite item is the Tango seat, I don’t think I have seen anything like this before. It is so lovely for parents and children to enjoy the park together.”

Location

Weybridge, United Kingdom

Year Completed

2016

Project Value

£216,000