FRESH SPACES

PlayNation looks at a selection of recent play projects from across the UK

At Priors Hall, play isn’t a place – it’s the whole plan

At Priors Hall Park in Corby, play has been designed as part of the fabric of the community from the very beginning. With eleven play spaces – designed to reflect 4 distinct landscape character themes – already delivered by Timberplay, and further areas still to come, the growing development reflects a wider placemaking approach where play, landscape and everyday life are closely connected.

The project was recently discussed on Play Attention, the new podcast from Timberplay, during a conversation with Scott Chalmers, Head of Green Infrastructure at Urban&Civic, the Master Planners behind Priors Hall Park. In the episode, Scott explores how large-scale residential developments can embed play into neighbourhoods from the earliest planning stages, rather than treating it as a fenced-off destination added later in the process.

Throughout the discussion, Scott describes an approach where green infrastructure, housing, movement and play are seamlessly integrated across entire developments. At Priors Hall Park, this has resulted in a network of playable spaces that encourage exploration, connection and everyday interaction across generations.

The conversation also highlights how inclusive play is not only about equipment provision, but about creating environments where people of all ages feel welcome to spend time. Natural boundaries, accessible landscapes, integrated walking routes and spaces designed for lingering all help support intergenerational use and stronger community connection.

Timberplay specialise in natural, inclusive and landscape-led play environments. The full episode of Play Attention featuring Scott Chalmers is available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

Places

Ropewalk Gardens in Tower Hamlets gets an upgrade

The play area at Ropewalk Gardens had been well loved by local families and nearby schools, and the time had come to give this much-used space the upgrade it deserved. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets approached Wicksteed to help realise that vision, collaborating to create a fully inclusive environment where children of all ages and abilities could play together, with accessible equipment, varied play experiences and a natural, rural aesthetic.

Wicksteed delivered a thoughtfully zoned play space that exceeded the brief. Three multiplay units were installed across the site, each offering a different level of challenge and accessibility. A dedicated inclusive zone, centred around the bespoke Boron multiplay unit, encourages sensory and imaginative play at both ground and elevated levels, complemented by an inclusive roundabout, Communication Panel, Whirlypop and Badger 4-Way Seesaw. For older children, the Cromarty multiplay unit provides a more physically demanding experience with both ramped and stepped access, supporting confidence-building, coordination and inclusive play.

A two-bay swing set offers cradle, flat, inclusive and Tango seats, allowing users of different ages and abilities to play side by side. A dedicated toddler area features the Simple Simon multiplay unit alongside an inclusive springy and sensory panels, while a trim trail zone adds further opportunities for balance, agility and coordination.

Natural tones, animal-themed detailing and a green fleck wetpour surface tie the space together, creating a welcoming, nature-inspired setting where children of all abilities can play, explore and grow together.

Airparx transforms GLL Barking trampoline park

Family entertainment centre equipment specialist, Airparx, has completed a trampoline park transformation project at GLL Barking Sporthouse and Gym in Dagenham. The development was the result of a collaboration with The Play Company, integrating Rugged Interactive products for an enhanced multizone activity area that the whole family can enjoy.

“This project has been a true labour of care and collaboration, bringing together partners who share a commitment to supporting our community whilst keeping children engaged and active,” explains Daniel Laight, Junior Products Manager at GLL.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see something that will make a real difference. Creating opportunities for families and community groups to come together, stay active, and enjoy these shared moments with us.”

Places

The Mumbles Promenade becomes a playful seafront

As part of the Mumbles Coastal Protection Project, the City & County of Swansea undertook essential upgrades to the promenade’s sea defences—protecting homes, businesses, and public spaces from the increasing challenges of climate change and rising sea levels.

Recognising the opportunity to go beyond infrastructure, the project also set out to enhance the seafront as a destination. eibe Play was appointed to design and deliver a bespoke play experience integrated directly into the new promenade, creating a vibrant, family-friendly environment that encourages exploration, activity, and social interaction.

The play scheme draws heavily on the natural and cultural identity of The Mumbles, with a strong oyster and coastal theme reflected throughout.

Sculptural timber forms, inspired by oyster shells and wave patterns, create a visually distinctive landscape. Layered climbing structures echo the organic shapes of shells, while curved forms and flowing lines mirror the movement of the sea. A palette of blues,greens, and natural timber tones reinforces this connection to the coastal environment. Vertical timber posts, reminiscent of sea grasses or coastal markers, are used throughout the space to create rhythm, movement, and a strong visual identity along the promenade.

Luton Rising completes skate and play park upgrades at Wigmore Valley Park

Luton Rising has completed major new facility upgrades at Wigmore Valley Park, designed to enhance the visitor experience.

Improvements at the park include a new skatepark and children’s play area. The large play area is inspired by themes of travel and aviation and has been created to bring younger and older children of all abilities together in one shared space.

The playground encourages imagination, exploration and social interaction, with equipment featuring colourful swings, slides, zip lines, seesaws and climbing structures. There is also inclusive playground equipment designed for universal use, making it a welcoming and accessible space for everyone. Meanwhile, the skatepark provides space for all skill levels, with a smooth concrete plaza flanked by a snake run with rollovers, clamshell corners and a mini-ramp.

Luton Rising is the trading name for London Luton Airport Ltd, a company owned by Luton Council that owns London Luton Airport and manages it to deliver social and economic benefits to the local community.