Creating inclusive and nature inspired playgrounds

The nature-themed play area is aimed specifically at 2–7-year-olds and is designed to allow much better access to and around the site and to be as inclusive as possible. It aims to challenge, excite, and inspire, encouraging children of all abilities to play together. The design fits seamlessly within the environment of Bourton Park, with natural shapes and bright colors of the play structures specifically chosen to symbolize Buckingham’s local flora and fauna. For example, there are otter and kingfisher aluminum rubbing posts, oak, poplar, and beech leaf stones, and Bourton Park’s bespoke ‘wildlife ticket office’ play hatch.

The site design offers several inclusive and interesting features, including:

• A huge multi-person boat springer set within a colorful blue wet pour stream system, reflective of the park’s riverbanks and referencing the old path of the Buckingham Canal which ran through the site.
• A large swing set including a Tango Swing Seat that allows parents or older children to swing face-to-face with a toddler, along with more traditional flat and cradle seats.
• Low-level ‘pond tree house’ themed multiplay units made from recycled materials and designed specifically for younger children.
• Multisensory acoustic play equipment, including a Rain Wheel, Bongo Tree, and Drum Panels.
• Wildlife Discovery Hut and Otter’s Driftwood Den, providing a breakaway space for children to interact, role-play, or have some quiet time away from noisy activities.
• Toadstool sculptures, aluminum rubbing posts, and leaf steppingstones depicting tree and animal species commonly found in Bourton Park.
• More seating, picnic tables, and grassy areas for blankets.

The Town Council selected HAGS to bring this project to life, reflecting the community and Town Council’s vision to provide play spaces where inclusivity and imagination are key.

• Location: Bucks, United Kingdom
• Year Completed: 2023
• Project Value: £120,000