TIMBERPLAY
Paul Collings, managing director of Timberplay, has witnessed a shift towards professional designers being tasked with designing play spaces with increased em- phasis on natural materials – as recent research suggests that children are more active in designated play spaces than in empty parkland. “In recent years, the importance of play has moved
up the political agenda due to concerns over the effects of children’s development and fitness through lack of exercise, while research shows that play provides activity levels not far behind organised sports in terms of fitness. “There’s also been a trend towards kicking off the
shackles of anxiety by providing more risk in play. How- ever, I’m concerned that funding cutbacks in leisure provision may push back play innovation. “At Timberplay we expect the focus in coming years
to be strongly based around value for money. Although this is welcome it’s important not to lose sight of what we are trying to achieve. Cheaper isn’t necessarily bet- ter value for money, particularly if play value suffers as a result. Sometimes less is more and it forces more cre- ative solutions.”
Timberplay uses natural materials in innovative play designs that keep children actively entertained
Exciting equipment that encourages imaginative play by SMP SMP PLAYGROUNDS
“The previous government’s Play Strategy, which funded 30 new adventure playgrounds and refurbished 3,500 play projects across the country, encouraged exciting trends in playground provision targeted at eight- to 13-year olds,” says Steve Sylvester, managing director of SMP Playgrounds. “SMP Playgrounds now employ play space designers with a
background in landscape design, to quickly develop new dy- namic equipment that meets this target age range – offering more natural colours and partnering with companies that of- fer materials such as timber, rock and rope. “One example is the Tarring Recreation Ground, which fea-
tures the Titan (five-arm inclined rotating swing) the Viper (long rope swing) and the Nexus (DNA climbing frame) coupled with natural landscaping – to entice youngsters back into the park.”
RECORD RSS
“In the current economic environment, everyone’s having to make sacrifices and schools are no exception,” says Record RSS marketing manager Gary Wallis. “Many have been heav- ily affected by budget cuts, but they still have an important responsibility for schoolchildren’s health and wellbeing. “Outdoor activities improve children’s physical abilities and
develop social skills so it’s essential that schools encourage this. Faced with the difficult task of equipping play areas with limited funds, I’ve noticed a definite trend towards refur- bishment rather than new purchase at schools. Repairs and regular maintenance can extend the life of a play area for minimal cost. Adventure trails and play towers are also being increasingly popular as they offer maximum play opportuni- ties for many children and are excellent value for money. “At our website Play Direct
UK.com we offer outdoor learn-
ing and school grounds equipment to make playtime more active, challenging and fun. This creates outdoor learning en- vironments to encourage children’s natural curiosity for active, social and imaginative development.”
A Play Direct UK installation at Crays Hill Primary School, in Billericay
Bespoke rock designs fit with different play environments HAGS
“A good example of a play facility to suit today’s trends is Hags’ Friars Park in Southend-on-Sea installation,” says Hi- lary Locke, design supervisor at Hags Play. “The park shows the versatility and diversity of the Rox
product range, the elements of which can be individu- ally designed to create natural-looking, durable, bespoke climbing structures. “The Rox consists of a pre-cast reinforced concrete wall
as an inner section, which then has a solid-coloured, mould- ed layer of jetcrete added to give the rock appearance. The surface has a relatively rough finish and this provides an ideal climbing surface, which is functional while adding to the aesthetics within a natural environment. “Each Rox element is designed by a sculptor and de-
livered as a single pre-fabricated part with a pre-formed foundation base. Standard Rox have a maximum climbing height of 3m designed so the user can climb in a vertical or horizontal direction without the need for supervision.”
Issue 1 2011 © cybertrek 2011
Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital
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