China Street Play Area – Everton, Liverpool

Liverpool City Council wanted to bring the China Street play area back to life by creating an inclusive space for children of all abilities, including pupils from the local SEND school and local families to enjoy for many years to come.

Having been closed for five years, the park needed a complete transformation in order to offer something different from its previous provision. Proludic’s design has created a space full of fun, colour and vibrancy, offering new play opportunities for all children.

The site also presented some concerns around anti-social behaviour due to its relatively enclosed setting. Proludic addressed this through a carefully considered layout, maintaining clear sightlines and minimising sheltered areas or hiding places to help create a safer, more welcoming environment. This included involving the local SEND school in the design process to encourage respect for the space.

There is heavy footfall on the equipment and anti-social behaviour too. So, we needed something robust that will stand the test of time. – Gavin McLaughlin, Project Manager – Liverpool City Council

The equipment selection offers a broad mix of inclusive, sensory and active play, alongside climbing, sliding, spinning and balancing opportunities. The range supports different ages, abilities and levels of confidence within one shared play space.

Standout features include a wheelchair-accessible seesaw and roundabout, alongside a wide-access multiplay unit, providing guardians with space to assist children directly on the equipment. A generous swing provision accommodates up to 13 users across different swing types, while a dedicated sensory area offers quieter, more tactile play opportunities.

Community involvement continued through a supported park opening event and a local outreach group within the community, further strengthening the connection between the new play area and its residents.

Although there were the initial concerns that anti-social behaviour could affect the construction site overnight, these proved minimal and did not cause significant disruption during the build.

The completed play area has transformed a previously closed space into an exciting, inclusive destination, offering new opportunities for children and families of all abilities to play, explore and enjoy together in their own community.