A pirate ship themed play area and outdoor fitness space

After receiving an external grant from a Marathon Fund application, Kier Services and the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames (RBK) engaged us to install new play features to excite the local community. They sought ideas from our expert team on maximizing space through intelligent layouts and strategic equipment placement to allow children to flow seamlessly between elements.

Kier Services and RBK also wanted advice on extending safer surfacing, enhancing or replacing railings, relocating entrance gates, and ensuring accessibility for all ages and abilities. This challenge excited HAGS, given our expertise in providing inclusive play equipment.

We proposed a Pirate Ship themed play area for phase 1 and an Outdoor Fitness area for phase 2. The design included a range of equipment for children to play, explore, socialise, and develop. Installations included the inclusive Spinmee roundabout, Duel, a UniMini multi-play unit, Vippy seesaw, Ski stepper, Preacher curl, Fitpoint swings with a Tango Seat, and Springers. For older children, we added the more challenging Nexus Altitude 11s and the Tornado, promoting collaboration and physical strength.

In partnership and consultation with the community, we achieved excellent results under a limited budget. The new play and fitness area has revitalized the tired outdoor space in Woodgate, providing children with numerous opportunities to get outside and play.

Colin Stuart, RBK Project Manager, said: “The community and Councillors have all been very complimentary about the great improvement to the play and exercise facilities on the site. It’s very rewarding to know that all the planning and hard work which went into the project is appreciated by those who will be using it as part of their local activities.”

• Location: Kingston, United Kingdom
• Year Completed: 2018
• Project Value: £92,260