Article published on 12 February 2026
From plan to play, Proludic successfully delivered a landmark 10-site playground transformation programme in partnership with East Devon District Council during 2025, secured through a competitive tender process. Land of Canaan Play Area in Ottery St Mary is one of the standout bespoke playground sites within this delivery, bringing a distinctive identity to the town through a bespoke otter, and nature-inspired design.
Bespoke otter themed design
Set beside the meandering River Otter, the play space is anchored by a glorious basking otter multi-play unit. The bespoke otter was 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, multisensory experience that supports confidence, coordination, and social interaction.
Delivering on inclusivity and quality
The otter unit offers capacity for over 70 child users. Thus, it delivers more than 59 play values, ensuring high play throughput and repeat visits. Importantly, low-level features are integrated. As a result, children with differing access needs can participate and play together cooperatively, supporting inclusive outcomes without segregating play.
Play for all age-ranges and abilities
To further the play offer across ages and interests, additional equipment provides varied challenges and social play opportunities. Younger children climb and slide on a wooden junior climber (J49137) and enjoy a compact Robinia wood multi-play experience (J4933). Classic swinging remains a key attraction, with a double flat-seat bay (J472) complemented by a mixed flat, inclusive swing seat and cradle-seat swing option for wider age suitability. Inclusive, shared movement is enhanced through the wheelchair-accessible roundabout (J2404), while cooperative play continues with the Robinia seesaw (J4920).
Srength and agility are also supported through the two horizontal bars (J4916) and the Mikado balance and traversal element (J49156). Therefore, older children and active users are catered for. Additionally, a large multi-goal unit extends the destination value of the site. This encourages ball games and informal sport alongside the main bespoke playground.
Watch the bespoke otter video here!
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