Client: The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (York) Limited Partnership
Location: York Designer Outlet, North Yorkshire
Part of the McArthurGlen Group, The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (York) Limited Partnership is the company behind one of the region’s most popular family-friendly retail destinations, York Designer Outlet.
The DROC (York) Limited Partnership wanted to create a destination playground that would encourage families to stay longer, enhance the visitor experience and encourage repeat visits. Playdale worked closely with the customer over a two-year period to design a new outdoor play area that evolved with the wider vision for the site.
Playdale explored several design ideas throughout the project, before shaping the final concept into a natural woodland theme. This approach helped the playground complement its surrounding environment.
Once the final direction had been agreed, Playdale led the overall playground layout and design. We created a play space that balanced visual appeal, functionality, and the unique requirements of the site.
From the start, the Playdale team knew this project would need a technically driven approach. An existing canopy structure was already installed in the area, creating height restrictions across the site. To accommodate this, Playdale’s design and technical team positioned the tallest playground units within the centre of the canopy to ensure full compliance with relevant safety standards.
In addition to design constraints, the playground had to be installed within a live retail environment. Careful logistical planning and coordination were essential to minimise disruption to retailers, visitors and the daily operation of York Designer Outlet.
Playdale worked closely alongside the DROC (York) Limited Partnership to explore and refine the playground equipment options for the site.
The playground design evolved throughout the project. Initial concepts explored a themed approach before progressing towards a brighter, multicoloured palette. As the project developed, the final vision transitioned into a natural woodland aesthetic that complements the surrounding environment.
As a result, the completed playground brought together a carefully selected combination of accessible and engaging playground equipment. This selection was chosen to encourage children of a wide age range to climb, socialise, and play imaginatively.
Interactive Play Panels support communication, sensory stimulation, and imaginative play. This makes them suitable for children of all ages and abilities.
Additionally, the 2 Bay Timber Team Swing and Inclusive Orbit support accessible, shared play. They encourage social interaction and help develop balance and coordination skills.
The Bee Springer creates an extra layer of fun through vestibular and proprioceptive activity, supporting movement and sensory development.
With a show-stopping woodland-themed Little Hamlets Wadesmill Plus and bespoke Woodland Eco Towers unit, adventure is guaranteed. These units encourage children to build confidence, core strength, and coordination as they navigate their various play features.
Together, the equipment creates a playground that blends naturally into the surrounding environment while delivering a wide range of play experiences.
To minimise disruption to York Designer Outlet’s daily operations, Playdale adopted a flexible and customer-focused approach throughout the installation. Going above and beyond standard project requirements,
Playdale’s dedicated installation team carried out the removal of the existing playground equipment overnight. This approach prevented access restrictions and minimised impact on retailers while Playdale’s team prepared the site for a safe and smooth installation.
Once installation began, strict delivery and access protocols were carefully followed to minimise disruptions to the Outlet’s daily operations. All materials were required to be delivered, unloaded and cleared by 9am each morning. To support this, Playdale’s installation team utilised a truck-mounted forklift to transfer equipment directly from the roadside to the site. Using this method enabled Playdale to efficiently move materials and avoid the need for vehicle access during trade hours.
This carefully managed approach ensured York Designer Outlet could remain fully operational while Playdale made progress behind the scenes. By adapting working methods to suit the demands of a busy retail environment, Playdale successfully installed the playground with minimal impact on the overall customer experience.
Since opening, this destination playground has become a valuable addition to York Designer Outlet. By enhancing the visitor experience with a dedicated space for children to play, the playground encourages families to stay longer and enjoy more of what the Outlet has to offer. Increasing visitor dwell time in this way can help leisure destinations strengthen family engagement and encourage repeat visits.
The playground at York Designer Outlet offers a wide range of adventurous play opportunities. Play Panels introduce sensory experiences suitable for all ages, while the themed Little Hamlets unit provides toddlers with an engaging play experience.
At Playdale, we help leisure destinations enhance visitor experiences, strengthen family engagement, and bring outdoor spaces to life through outdoor play. Get in touch today to discover how Playdale can help transform your retail destination.
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