Article published on 22 October 2026
Two previously closed play areas in Liverpool have been transformed into vibrant, inclusive community spaces through a combined £225,000 investment by Liverpool City Council.
Working in partnership with Proludic, the Council has revitalised China Street Play Area and Everton Terrace Park, creating exciting new opportunities for children and families to enjoy outdoor play. Both projects demonstrate how thoughtful design, community engagement and careful budget management can breathe new life into underused spaces.
China Street: Putting Inclusive Play First
Having been closed for five years, China Street Play Area in Everton required a complete transformation. With a £150,000 budget, the Council wanted to create a welcoming, durable and inclusive destination catering for children of all ages and abilities, including pupils from a nearby SEND school.
Proludic developed a colourful, engaging layout offering a wide variety of physical, social and sensory play opportunities. Standout features include a wheelchair-accessible seesaw and roundabout, a wide-access multiplay unit allowing carers to assist children and swing provision accommodating up to 13 users. A dedicated sensory area also provides quieter, tactile play experiences.
Addressing concerns around anti-social behaviour was another important consideration. Clear sightlines, minimal sheltered areas and robust equipment were incorporated into the design to create a safer, more welcoming environment.
The local SEND school was involved in the design process, helping to encourage community ownership and respect for the space. This engagement continued through a supported opening event and local community outreach.
Gavin McLaughlin, Project Manager, Liverpool City Council said, “There is heavy footfall on the equipment and anti-social behaviour too. So, we needed something robust that will stand the test of time.”
China Street: Putting Inclusive Play First
At Everton Terrace, a £75,000 refurbishment has reopened another much-needed neighbourhood play space after years of closure.
The Council wanted a bright, inspirational playground with excellent play value, encouraging children to climb, crawl, jump and explore. Proludic responded with a distinctive transport-themed design celebrating Liverpool’s identity, featuring references to John Lennon Airport, Lime Street Station and the River Mersey.
A central multiplay unit provides climbing, sliding and social play opportunities, while an upper-level junior challenge zone encourages more adventurous activity. Accessible roundabouts, seesaws, swings, themed train equipment and sensory panels ensure children of different ages and abilities can enjoy the space together.
Maximising the available budget was central to the project’s success. Following an assessment, Proludic established that the existing surfacing could be retained and upgraded with a wetpour overlay rather than being completely replaced. This significantly reduced costs, allowing more of the investment to be directed towards high-quality equipment and additional play opportunities.
Portia Fahey, Deputy Cabinet Member, Liverpool City Council said, “The play park has completely opened up a whole new section of the park that was closed for so long.”
Together, these projects highlight the importance of creating play spaces that respond to the needs of their communities. From the inclusive, sensory-rich environment at China Street to the imaginative, locally inspired design at Everton Terrace, both schemes combine accessibility, durability and engaging play within their respective budgets.
By transforming two long-closed playgrounds into welcoming community destinations, Proludic and Liverpool City Council have created new opportunities for local children and families to play, explore and connect for years to come.
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