Super Smiles at Sebastian’s Action Trust

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Super Smiles at Sebastian’s Action Trust

Client: Sebastian’s Action Trust

Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire

“We love being able to come and use the playground there. It’s rare to find a fully accessible playground that my daughter can play in. Most playgrounds only have one piece of equipment that is accessible. She loves the swing where she can lie down and also be pushed up the bumpy ramp to the top of the main play equipment.”

Sebastian’s Action Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to providing essential care and support for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as their families. With facilities designed to offer respite, relaxation, and fun, the organisation recognised that their existing outdoor play area was not meeting the diverse needs of their visitors.

Above: The previous play area at Sebastian’s Action Trust

The previous play area, though well-intentioned, was not accessible to all children. The lack of inclusive features and limited space meant that children of different ages and abilities often found it challenging to engage and enjoy their time in the play area.

The primary challenge was to redesign the play area to be fully inclusive, catering to children from newborns to 18 years old, while also being accessible to those with physical and cognitive disabilities. The play area needed to be spacious enough to accommodate more visitors, ensuring that everyone could enjoy a fun, safe, and engaging environment. The goal was to create a play space that not only met the physical needs of the children but also made smiles and memories for the families.

The area designated for the new playground was levelled and prepped, ready for the installation of bonded rubber mulch surfacing to improve accessibility.

Key features of the new playground include a flush Inclusive Orbit roundabout, Play Panels and a Timber Team Swing, which has three different seats, including a high-backed and basket swing providing extra comfort and support. The Tango Seat is a big hit, letting families share in the joy of playing together.

‘My son has adored using the new swing. It is a perfect fit for him with the harness to keep him secure, he absolutely loves swinging in it and he looks so happy. It is rare to find anything accessible he can use at a standard park. Thank you for providing it!’

The highlight of the playground is the fully inclusive Mexico City Plus, which features wide access and exit points. It’s designed to provide sensory, tactile, and independent play, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

The transformation of the playground has had a profound impact on the families who visit Sebastian’s Action Trust. The new inclusive design ensures that every child, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can participate in and enjoy the play space.

Families have shared their appreciation for the thoughtful design, saying the playground is bringing smiles and creating cherished memories for them.

“The park is fantastic – it’s safe, accessible and most importantly it provides smiles! Smiles that are cherished and moments that make beautiful memories. Thank you to everyone – for our family it allows them all to be able to play together.”

By transforming an outdated and inaccessible area into a vibrant, inclusive play space, the Trust has created a haven where children of all ages and abilities can come together, play, and create lasting memories. This project not only meets the physical needs of the children but also nurtures their emotional well-being, providing a much-needed space for fun, laughter, and connection.

Let’s build a playground that brings joy to your community— contact Playdale today to start your playground project.

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