“The Dock Museum at Barrow-in-Furness is one of the main tourist attractions in the region, with the play area being a valuable bonus to many people’s visits. The decision to update the much-loved play ship was taken by Barrow Borough Council and we are delighted with the finished product. By adding many inclusive elements, the imaginative designs of the colourful play equipment will be enjoyed for many years.” Marie Richards, Grounds Maintenance Contract Manager, Barrow Borough Council.
Local families recently enjoyed the official opening of this fantastic new facility with Barrow’s Mayor & Mayoress Bill & Judith McEwan proudly cutting the ribbon and giving the green light for playtime!
The Dock Museum ran a competition to give the new boat themed unit a seaworthy name! The winning entry was the name ‘Adventure’ so we designed a plaque and fixed it proudly to the unit.
The competition winner, pictured below with his brother, enjoying the Inclusive Orbit with the Mayor & Mayoress of Barrow also had the added honour of opening the gate to the play area and declaring it open on the day itself.
We were absolutely delighted to be awarded the contract to build and install the new play area at Barrow-in-Furness’ Dock Museum, following a successful tender submission.
The challenge for this project was to offer the maximum amount of themed play value possible in the designated space and within the designated budget; the main central feature and focus being an exciting and challenging bespoke, nautical themed multi-play unit. The whole area had to be exciting and challenging for all ages and abilities.
2D design of the play area
Our submitted design offered a thoughtfully spaced selection of playground equipment as shown in these 2D and 3D designs. We wanted the equipment and design layout to provide a platform for children of all abilities to have fun in a safe environment that will make their visit to the Dock Museum a truly memorable one. Our hope is that all visitors will be struck by an overwhelming sense of fun, action, exhilaration & adventure!
3D design of the play area
All the play items that went into this design were from our stainless steel ranges as it was essential that the equipment would be durable, hard wearing and require very little maintenance. The structural stainless steel elements come with a guarantee of 25 years against failure. This should ensure that the play area can be enjoyed by children for many years to come. Our stainless steel is 100% recyclable and all the equipment here is all totally paint-free.
The bright and colourful wet pour safety surfacing really enhances and brings to life this sea-themed playground and is an important element for safety, aesthetic and play value reasons. There are an array of coastal & sea creatures included in the design; linking to the nautical nature of the site as well as the fact that seals and dolphins can often be seen off the coast of nearby Walney Island which is home to the only grey seal colony in Cumbria.
The red brick-set edging around the surfacing reflects and provides a link to the sandstone block construction of the dry dock which is a key feature of the museum and indeed many key buildings in the town of Barrow-in-Furness.
The bespoke, nautical themed, four-tower Big City Plus multi-play unit is the central feature of the play area, being located in a space that allows the maximum number of children to access it from its numerous access points and play features. It’s immediately accessible as you enter the play area and is jam-packed with exciting play features & activities. Children on this unit can interact socially with others, experience new challenges and take controlled risks via the many climbing, traversing, sliding and spinning features.
The ship starting to take shape mid-installation
The stainless steel inclusive City Team Swing gives children the chance to play together using teamwork to make the swing go higher and higher. Children of all abilities can enjoy the swing together to experience the thrills of speed and movement!
The inclusive Team Swing in the foreground
The Inclusive Orbit offers a design that allows for exciting, inclusive play as children can enjoy spinning around as fast as they can together, no matter what their ability. They will enjoy exhilarating speed & movement, as well as teamwork and social interaction. It provides maximum play value for all.
The Inclusive Orbit
The play area is an essential part of this visitor attraction and is sure to increase footfall to the museum and café significantly.
If you would like to arrange a free, no obligation playground design consultancy meeting and site survey with your local Area Manager. We look forward to hearing from you!
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