Community-Centered Playground

Client: Kirkby-in-Furness Community Centre

Location: Kirkby-in-Furness Community Centre, Cumbria

Project brief

Kirkby-in-Furness Community Centre is a small rural village nestled in the picturesque Cumbria countryside. The community wanted to upgrade their existing playground to create a play area for all ages that would be challenging, inclusive, and filled with various activities to keep the children entertained. The existing play area included some Playdale equipment that had been in use for over 25 years.

Above: The previous play area at Kirby-in-Furness Community Centre

As an existing Playdale customer, the community centre was familiar with the quality of our equipment and felt our design offered an excellent choice and variety of equipment for all ages, meeting all the community’s requirements. Playdale was delighted to be selected for this project.

The project received funding from various community funding projects and local businesses, including Kirkby Moor Wind Farm, CGP, FCC Environment, Sir John Fisher Foundation, and the Parish Council-Community Infrastructure Levy.

Project challenges

Given the existing playgrounds slight slope and underground services, the design team created different levels in the playground, making it more interesting and suited to the natural landscape. Swing barriers and sleeper steps were added to connect the levels, ensuring safety and preventing accidents.

The existing tarmac path leading to the community bowling green was incorporated into the new playground design. This path divided the playground into different areas, providing an easy route for children to move around. The top level of the playground was designed to be an inclusive space with an Inclusive Orbit roundabout and a Timber 3 Bay Junior Swing with an inclusive swing seat, allowing all children to play together.

New playground

There is a variety of playground equipment for all ages including, a Be-Bop Plus with stainless steel slide, from our Juke Box range of multi play tower units, Spinner, Spring Car, Spring Horse, Giggleswick Plus with stainless steel slide from our Little Hamlets range of multi play tower units, Timber Seesaw and Playhouse.

The play area features Grasslok and natural-coloured bonded rubber mulch surfacing, creating a natural look that complements its rural surroundings.

The new playground at Kirkby-in-Furness Community Centre is a significant enhancement for the village. With support from community funding and local businesses, Playdale transformed the outdated play area into a space that blends seamlessly with the rural landscape. The playground features diverse equipment suitable for all ages and abilities, ensuring it will be a cherished asset for years to come. This project highlights the community’s dedication to creating a safe, engaging, and harmonious environment for its children.

If you are considering upgrading your play area and would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultancy meeting and site survey with your local Area Manager, click here. We look forward to hearing from you.