Article published on 14 September 2021
Harpenden Town Council and the PARC Friends of Group set their sights high when they decided to create a new flagship park at the existing Rothamsted play area site in the heart of the town. They wanted to create a memorable play experience for toddlers, juniors, teenagers, and their families alike to enjoy.
The client had a budget of £300,000 for this project and wanted the play equipment to be grouped into four zones for three age ranges: 0-5, 6-11 and 11-15 years. The overarching aim of the project was to create a space where families and teenagers would like to spend more time because of the design and stimulating equipment chosen. From the outset, it was decided to remove 90% of the equipment leaving a few well-loved pieces in situ in the teen zone.
Harpenden Town Council released the tender in November 2020 from which they received 8 submissions from a variety of play providers. Proludic was chosen as the preferred supplier for our creativity, innovation, and bespoke design. The stunning themed design proposed a balance of natural wooden and aesthetically pleasing steel equipment. Once built the chosen area would contain 65 play items, offering 350+ play experiences for 300+ users at any one time.
These were as follows:
• Whimsical Woodlands, designed for Toddlers (0-5 years) Lots of inclusive play equipment offering both tactile and sensory play experiences.
• Fantastic Forest (0-11 years) – To be used by all ages to engage the senses through imaginative play.
• Rambling Rivers (6 – 11 years) – Full of independent and challenging play experiences.
• Tree Tops (10+ years) – Fast-paced social play
I was very happy to be involved in the delivery of this sizable project. Not only did Proludic win the tender with an amazing woodland-themed design against seven other competitors, but we successfully delivered on time and in budget a substantial destination play area that the community can be proud of and families and teenagers can repeatedly enjoy!
Annabel Brown, Proludic Area Manager
The new Rothamsted play area includes some focal pieces such as a wheelchair-accessible multiplay unit (J38200), a two-meter-tall climbing bear (J49104), and a sunken Ship (J2755). But what truly makes the play area is the Woodland Animal theming. A unique element that Proludic offer is an adventure game that can be tailored to each play area design which provides a fun experience in and around the park. The concept is based on a code-breaking game that gets children moving around the park solving puzzles.
In keeping with the woodland and nature theme, all the equipment looks vibrant, aesthetically pleasing and includes units from the Origin’ range that utilise the natural Robinia timber. Proludic also included HPL (High-pressurised laminate) panels with nature-inspired designs imprinted on them to further add to the sense of wonder.
Photo Gallery
If you have a play project that you would like to discuss then please contact us on 0115 982 3980 or email us at info@proludic.co.uk.
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