Overview

Client Background

Chappel Parish Council wanted to upgrade and modernise the play facilities situated in the heart of the village, on the village playing field.  Much of the old and treasured equipment was designed by residents almost 20 years ago so it was important to find a company that could provide and replace this equipment for the future generations of the village.

They had a budget of £45,000 for the project, which would be completed in two stages. The first stage of the project would be a junior play area with a second phase planned later on, whereby toddler equipment would be added. The funding of £20,000 for the first stage was donated by Colchester Borough Council under a joint initiative with Essex County Council. Other money had been raised by local residents who were keen to get involved with the scheme, showing their widespread enthusiasm.  

The budget for the entire project was tight and so it was important to choose a company that could provide exciting play equipment that wouldn’t break the bank.

Project Brief

The junior area needed to provide equipment for the junior to teen age group, which is generally considered to be children aged between 8-14 years.
One of the main requirements of the council was to provide safe and stimulating equipment that was durable yet also blended into the unique surroundings of the village. The green is set against the backdrop of a historic and renowned viaduct that stretches across 1066ft of land and is one of the largest in the country. Therefore the equipment chosen needed to be in touch with these natural elements and be able to reflect the natural features.

The council liked the idea of using equipment that was movement based yet socially interactive with its users. It was felt by the council that this would help to integrate and involve the younger community.

Design Solution

Proludic Ltd was chosen to manage the project, as they provided the most innovative solutions and were totally different from other companies.  Proludic are renowned for their challenging and versatile equipment that appeals to a range of children and abilities. This enabled Chappel Parish Council to work with Proludic and tailor their specific needs to the site.

The equipment used was chosen because it provides lots of movement and stimulus, creating a natural means for improving motor and risk management skills.

Items of equipment like the Gyro Spiral and the Roll Up are also very effective at stimulating social interaction, allowing several people to use the equipment at the same time.

Junior Area

In total four pieces of equipment were used for the junior area. One of these pieces of equipment being an Ixo multi play unit which includes a gyro, turbo slide, incline net, rope ladder and tower.
Alongside the Ixo were popular pieces of equipment such as the Roll Up, Gyro Spiral and Aeroskate. One of the main benefits of all these items is that they are inclusive to both girls and boys and will encourage everyone to enjoy them and play together.
Proludic chose to provide a loose fill surface of wood chippings, which not only enhances the natural play experience of the park but could also be used as a play element in its own right. The council liked this choice of surfacing because it was a more environmentally friendly option that had a longer life.

The value of the equipment used totalled £23,000 which proves that good quality play provision does not have to be expensive in order to bring modern and challenging play facilities to an area.

The Outcome

Since the opening of the site in the beginning of 2007, there have been no reported issues or problems. When speaking to Nick Ingram Councillor to the Parish, he said:  “The park has been extremely popular with lots of children using it and the equipment has been very easy to maintain.”
Chappel Parish Council is now looking forward to the design and installation of the second phase of development which is a toddler area. This will compliment the junior area and complete the local need for better play provision.