PLAY
The current ‘tighten your belts’ attitude will prove a challenge for any leisure manager to keep play facilities new and exciting. Karen Maxwell asks a selection of play providers about emerging trends
Playtime HIPPO LEISURE
“Extending existing play equipment to modernise, improve and add value to play features – in and out of the water en- vironment – could be a cost effective way to introduce fresh, new features in the coming year,” says Hippo sales and marketing director Claire Mollett. “A simple mushroom shower can be converted into a show
stopping, multi-level, multi-sensory play feature as Wind- sor Leisure Centre has just discovered. Mixing low level, easy access interactive play with high level, dramatic water toys en- sures fun for all the family. Toddlers can tip buckets and turn hand wheels to control water flow and older children can play under the tipping buckets, splash buckets or water curtains. “Features can also be built up over two or more phases so lei-
sure centres like Tenderden in Kent can create interactive water playgrounds with stimulating features for all ages and abilities. “2011 and beyond is going to be a challenge for the leisure
markets but good quality products, strong design concepts and a flexible, customer-centric approach will undoubtedly help keep heads above water.”
Multi-sensory water features can entertain the whole family
Proludic’s play installation for Rushcliffe Borough Council PROLUDIC
“At Proludic we believe in the positive contributions that good quality play provision can make to communities. Chal- lenging, adventurous and innovative products are elements of play that all children should have access to,” says Proludic marketing executive Gemma Nickerson. “The government’s Playbuilder funding has helped to
bring these key attributes to the forefront. During this programme, we saw a rise in natural play products; using mainly timber and incorporating boulders and rocks. “Going forward I think communities are more open to
ideas for play, whether it be metal, interactive or natural. This trend will be enforced by the new Big Society agenda as it empowers residents to get involved in decisions to pro- vide play installations. “In my opinion, the important issue is that play should be
kept at the forefront as it’s essential for children’s learning, development and health.”
70 Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital
Issue 1 2011 © cybertrek 2011
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