BUILDING PLAY

PlayNation looks at some recently completed play projects and developments

Proludic completes 10-site playground redevelopment project in Devon

Play specialist Proludic has successfully delivered a landmark 10-site playground transformation programme in partnership with East Devon District Council during 2025. One of the standout projects of the programme – which was secured through a competitive tender process – was the Land of Canaan Play Area in Ottery St Mary, which brought a distinctive identity to the town through a bespoke, nature-inspired design.

Set beside the meandering River Otter, the play space is anchored by a glorious basking otter multi-play unit, custom-created by Proludic as a playful celebration of the local environment. The sculpture provides a clear focal point for users and a memorable sense of place for the community, encouraging imaginative storytelling as well as active play. Within the otter, children can climb, traverse, balance, and explore tactile elements, creating a rich, multi-sensory experience that supports confidence, coordination and social interaction.

The otter unit offers capacity for over 70 child users and delivers more than 59 play values, ensuring high play throughput and repeat visits. Importantly, low-level features are integrated so children with differing access needs can participate and play together in a cooperative manner, supporting inclusive outcomes without segregating play.

To broaden the play offer across ages and interests, additional equipment provides varied challenges and social play opportunities. Younger children can build confidence on a wooden junior climber and enjoy a compact Robinia wood multi-play experience where climbing and sliding can be realised.

Ustigate renews splash park in Bulwell

Ustigate Waterplay is currently working with Nottingham City Council and Willmott Dixon on The Bulwell Bogs development; a major £20m regeneration project for the entire Bulwell town centre in Nottingham. The development includes a new play area, kiosk, improved landscaping and facilities, and the replacement of an existing, well-loved splash park.

Bulwell Bogs is formerly an ancient open space and for centuries it has been a place for people to relax and for children to play, fish and paddle. Today, it remains a popular park that runs alongside the River Leen.

The renewed splash park is being expanded and enhanced to provide additional water features and activities for all to enjoy; with several products of character handpicked from Ustigate’s Vortex Sea Silhouette and Watergarden collections.

The new Bulwell Bogs splash park will feature Ustigate’s Turtle No.2, Snake No.2, four Tall Grass No.1’s, an Angelfish, two Seaweed No.1’s and an Octopus. The company will also install its show-stopping Sea Silhouette Whale, with its self-spinning and spraying tail and a high-flying burst of water from its blowhole.

In recognition that a river offers journey, there will be five Spray Loop’s in a row, forming an inclusive, misting tunnel for children to journey through.

To heighten the aquatic experiences for everyone, there will also be four vertical Jet Stream No.2’s, one accessible activation bollard and four foot activators.

The water and splash park is set to open to the public ahead of summer 2026.

Three Ninja Warrior Adventure Parks get a refresh

Following Oxygen Activeplay’s recent five-site acquisition of the ITV gameshow-themed “Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Parks”, indoor play and inflatable structure specialist, Airparx, had the opportunity to design, manufacture and install three large inflatable parks for the company. Located in Leeds, Liverpool and Walsall, each site was designed to boost the customer experience, replacing old inflatable play structures.

Daniel Billington, Head of Business Development at Airparx, said: “It’s always a pleasure working with the Oxygen team, especially Graham Rivers, and seeing these visions come to life in record time.”

eibe play Partners with Coram’s Fields to Deliver a New Junior Play Space

In central London, where green space is precious and community connection matters more than ever, Coram’s Fields has long stood as a sanctuary dedicated entirely to children and families. Surrounded by listed Georgian buildings in Bloomsbury, the site carries both historic significance and deep social value. Positioned directly opposite Great Ormond Street Hospital, Coram’s Fields gets thousands of visitors each year.

Now, a new chapter is unfolding — the creation of a thoughtfully designed junior play area, developed in partnership with eibe play. The space was designed with younger children at its heart – offering opportunities for exploration, movement and discovery within a safe and welcoming environment.

THE SPACE WAS DESIGNED WITH YOUNGER CHILDREN AT ITS HEART

The design vision focused on age-appropriate challenge that builds confidence, inclusive design that welcomes children of all abilities, offering sensory-rich elements that stimulate curiosity and having clear sightlines and accessibility for parents and carers. The design has been directly shaped by young people themselves. Primary-aged children from Coram’s Fields’ Kids Council and young people from the Young People’s Forum at Great Ormond Street Hospital have actively contributed to the process.

The space now includes climbing and balancing elements to develop coordination and core strength, low-level platforms and slides designed for early years confidence-building, interactive play panels incorporating architectural detailing inspired by the site’s heritage and sensory features supporting cognitive and emotional development. There are also inclusive access points ensuring children of varying abilities can participate.

For eibe, this project represents far more than the delivery of equipment. It is about shaping a space where younger children can explore safely, build confidence, develop social connections and simply experience the joy of play — all within an environment that feels intrinsically connected to its setting.

A royal transformation at Buttrills Housing Estate

Wicksteed has partnered with Vale of Glamorgan Council to deliver an ambitious new destination play space at the Buttrills Housing Estate, transforming the area into a vibrant hub for play and community wellbeing. The council’s vision centred on creating a distinctive castle and knight–themed environment that would ignite children’s imaginations, complemented by a separate, fenced fitness zone for older users. A key requirement was to closely align with an existing design concept, while enhancing overall play value, inclusivity and long-term durability.

The finished scheme brings the medieval theme to life through carefully detailed wet-pour surfacing, featuring bespoke graphics including shields, swords and a winding moat. These visual elements not only strengthen the identity of the space but also encourage immersive, imaginative play from the outset.

Zoning was fundamental to the design strategy. The layout clearly separates toddler provision from the fitness area, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for younger children while maintaining an integrated community feel across the site.

The Kora and Horizon Multiplay Units form the centrepiece of the play area, providing diverse climbing, sliding and balancing challenges that support physical development, coordination and confidence. Complementary themed features including an imaginative play castle and a 3D printed crocodile head invite storytelling and role play, enriching the overall experience.

Inclusive play was also central to the scheme. The Swirl Inclusive Roundabout enables children of varying abilities to play together, while dynamic elements such as the Dragon Springy and Horse 4Saw promote cooperative and active play for younger users.