Article published on 27 May 2026
Located across the River Leam from Jephson Gardens, Mill Gardens is a valued green space in Royal Leamington Spa, known for its lawns, botanical planting, boating lake and central play provision. Its local heritage is equally distinctive, with Samuel Lockhart’s performing elephants, Wilhelmina, Trilby and Haddie, who once walked through the town and bathed in the river, becoming much-loved local icons.
Our Brief for the Project
Warwick District Council found that the existing play area had reached the end of its usable life, with ageing equipment no longer meeting the expectations of a busy town-centre park. The brief called for a high-quality, visually striking replacement that would reflect the setting, celebrate local identity and create a memorable family destination.
Proludic developed the initial elephant theme into an ambitious bespoke design. At its centre stands a 4-metre-high Robinia elephant (J49118). This provides both a sculptural focal point and a platform for imaginative and physical play. Supporting features include an elephant springer and a bespoke elephant slide, to retell the story of the elephants everywhere.
There was so much here that we could use and develop and feed in. So not only is it the play equipment, but it has really been that sense of setting that Proludic really responded to.
sally watts – green space development officer – warwick district council
Inclusive, Durable, and Sustainable Design Transforms the Local Green Space
Inclusivity was central to the design. Working closely with Evergreen School, the scheme incorporates a range of accessible and sensory play opportunities. This includes Proludic’s (J987) inclusive seesaw, the first of its kind in Warwickshire, alongside a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and twin trampolines. Tactile panels, sensory flowers and a swan-themed springer reflect the nearby gardens, River Leam and natural surroundings.
The design combines the natural aesthetic of Robinia timber with durable materials suitable for a high-use public park. Since opening in December, the revitalised play area has been warmly welcomed by school children, stakeholders and residents. We are proud to have delivered the inclusive, distinctive and locally meaningful destination for Royal Leamington Spa.
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