Article published on 28 April 2026
Something new and unexpected has arrived in Calne, a bold departure from the traditional playground – a Ninja Trail!
This is play reimagined: dynamic, energetic, and designed to get hearts racing and bodies moving. The ACTI’Ninja space transforms the Recreation Ground into a high-energy destination. A space where challenge, adventure and fun come together, inspiring a new generation to climb, swing, balance and push their limits.
Working with Local Stakeholders for the Community
The development of the new ACTI’Ninja play and activity space at Calne Recreation Ground began with an ambitious vision from Calne Town Council. They looked to create a vibrant community destination that would inspire active play, encouraging families to spend more time outdoors. Rather than delivering a standard playground, the brief focused on creating an exciting, high-energy environment where children could climb, balance, swing and challenge themselves through movement-based play. Designed to capture the excitement of adventure and obstacle-course experiences, the space promotes confidence, social interaction, and physical activity. The aim was to offer something distinctly different from traditional play equipment. We also looked at how to appeal to older children and teenagers while remaining inclusive for families.
Early collaboration between Proludic and the council explored holistic approaches to play, recreation and community wellbeing. From this process, key themes of contemporary design, community connection and active play emerged. These themes then shaped a dynamic environment centred around the ACTI’Ninja concept. The council’s ambition for a distinctive facility allowed bold ideas to be realised, creating a visually striking destination play space.
The ACTI’Ninja installation in Calne represents a step change in how we think about play spaces. This is about creating an environment that challenges, excites, and inspires young people to be active in ways that feel engaging and relevant to them. We’re proud to have worked with Calne Town Council to deliver a facility that not only stands out as the largest of its kind in the world but also brings real value to the community by encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles.
Rob Baker, Proludic Ltd MD
Face Active Challenges with a Ninja Trail for Fitness and Fun
Inspired by Ninja Warrior–style challenges and co-developed with finalist Charles Brunet, ACTI’Ninja is a modular obstacle course that promotes strength, balance, agility, and endurance for users aged 6 and above. At Calne, the Ninja Trail forms the backbone of the course. The activity trail links Warrior Ramps, Monkey Bars, Unstable Bridges, Suspended Tunnels, Climbing Slopes and Traverse Challenges. Additional elements, including a trampoline, Junior Metal Slalom and the 6.8-metre-tall Metropolis Tower, broaden participation by combining physical challenge with imaginative play.
The UK’s largest public ACTI’Ninja course officially opened in Calne on 5th April with a community celebration. This event attracted families and visitors who enjoyed testing the course alongside launch activities like medals, goodie bags, and refreshments. The event also featured professional parkour and stunt demonstrations by athletes, including two-time world freerunning champion Ed Scott and stunt performer Zara Treherne. The two later supported and advised children on how to navigate the course, promoting active play and community engagement.
More advice from experts
Bonnymead Play Park: A Destination Site for Everyone
Article published on 17 August 2026
Amesbury Town Council set out with the ambitious vision to transform Bonnymead Play Park into into a landmark recreation destination for the wider community. With a £500,000 investment and an open design brief, the Council wanted more than a conventional playground. The aim was to create a high-quality public space that would attract visitors, encourage...
Lower Leas Coastal Play Park – A Unique Natural Design for a Unique Location
Article published on 13 August 2026
A new £750,000 coastal play park has opened in Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone. This has elevated the existing site into the self-proclaimed “largest free adventure playground in the South-East”. Folkestone & Hythe District Council sought to improve access throughout this destination site so users of all abilities could enjoy all 15 zones equally....
