We were asked to look at the relocation and replacement of an existing traditional playground within this Grade II listed park in Plymouth. What resulted was a community adventure playground providing a space for natural play in an adventurous, exciting and imaginative setting.

The design of this inclusive playscape, catering for all ages and abilities including adults, was developed following a week long community consultation session involving local school children and teen groups. The resulting design established a “new world”, with three main adventure realms for toddler to teens evolving across the playground, called "The Highlands" (toddlers), "The Middlelands" (3 years plus) and "The Lowlands" (8 years to teenagers). A number of formal play features are provided including a seven metre high tube slide, organically shaped log climbing frame, zip wire and cantilever tyre swing as well as informal, natural play features appealing to the senses, such as grassy undulating landform, timber sleeper steps and forest of poles, stone boulder scramble slope, sensory path and wobbly timber play sculptures.

The new playground provides a continuous layout respecting the existing environment and relating closely to the challenging local landform and mature tree envelope, as well as responding sensitively to its historic setting. As an exciting, imaginative and distinct place for adventure it will encourage local children to meet up and play together, promoting social behaviour and spontaneous physical activity resulting in the increased use of an important local park.

• Heritage consultancy
• Landscape design

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