Article published on 5 February 2026
Proludic successfully delivered a landmark 10-site delivery playground transformation in partnership with East Devon District Council. Read below to learn more about the project, from the competitive tender process through to completion in 2025.
The Council’s ambition was clear, to:
- Create ten exciting, bespoke play areas.
- Ensure each has its own identity and sense of place.
- Remaining sympathetic to the character of their surrounding communities.
Proludic’s in-house design team embraced this challenge. We developed tailored solutions that balanced creativity, inclusivity and sustainability across a wide-ranging rural and coastal district
To support timely delivery and minimise disruption to families, Proludic implemented a carefully phased project management approach. We programmed the works so that the first five sites would be complete ahead of the summer holidays. This ensured children retained access to local play during peak periods.
Installation paused over the holidays, resuming once schools returned. This allowed the remaining five sites to be completed by the end of November. The project was delivered well within the client’s specification, budget and timeframe. Therefore, community impact stayed at a minimum across a 30-mile radius.
Delivering on inclusivity and quality
The Council’s objectives centred on quality, longevity and environmental responsibility. Consequently, across all ten sites, we selected our high-quality materials with this in mind. Our choices had a strong focus on sustainably sourced timber and innovative products containing recycled content. 97 pieces of play and sports equipment were installed, delivering over 858 individual play values for more than 851 children.
Notably, 76% of the equipment included inclusive elements, reinforcing the client’s commitment to accessible play. Designs carefully considered children with neurodivergent characteristics, those with conditions such as dyspraxia, and the needs of parents, carers and caregivers with mobility challenges. This embedded inclusion into these projects from concept through to completion.
Including the Voice of the Community for a 10 site delivery
Community engagement played a vital role in shaping the outcome. During summer 2024, hundreds of residents took part in an online consultation, sharing ideas and priorities for their neighbourhood parks.
This feedback subsequently informed designs for sites across:
- Exmouth
- Honiton
- Ottery St Mary
- Whimple.
Participants were kept updated as works progressed. Funding for the £1.2 million programme was then provided through East Devon District Council’s Capital Programme. Additionally, this was supplemented by S106 developer contributions, ensuring long-term investment in local play infrastructure.
Incorporating local stories and inspiration
Each site tells its own story.
- At Carter Avenue in Exmouth, maritime theming and the ACTI’Ninja range encourage adventurous, active play. This site’s Neptune Galleon multiplay unit (J1962) was the anchor to this amazing development.
- Ottery St Mary’s Land of Canaan features a beautiful bespoke river otter structure that reflects the nearby waterway.
- Allhallows and Whitebridges in Honiton include playful nods to local character. This included nods to the natural world with wooden animal features, but also a range of surf-inspired designs.
- Baker Close in Sidmouth showcases an eco-friendly Diabolo multiplay unit (J38124 HDPE) manufactured using 80–100% recycled materials. This demonstrates how sustainability and visual impact can work hand in hand.
Underpinned by 37 years of experience, local delivery teams, and dedicated project management, we completed the 10-site delivery to the high standards expected of a Proludic project. Subsequently, the result is a cohesive yet diverse collection of play spaces that will serve East Devon’s communities for years to come, turning careful planning into meaningful play.
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