We were approached by Whiteley Primary School to create a play area which could be used by all pupils no matter what their physical ability. It was important for the play area to encourage the children to play together whilst enhancing their creative, imaginative and communicative development. The surfacing was to be all weather and allow full access for all children. A truly Inclusive Play area.
Our design team set to work creating a timber structure inspired by historical ruins and dilapidated buildings. As crazy as that may sound, the idea was that ruins gave way to imagination – they could be anything. Ruins give the feeling that there is no boundary, exit points are endless, allowing free movement. The timber “ruins” shown above mirror this idea. The internal passages are wide and free of obstruction to allow wheelchair users complete access, with entry and exit points to allow for games such as “Hide and Seek”.
The children decided on the name “Whiteley Folly” which is just perfect – A Folly is “a ruin with no specific purpose”. With imagination the possibilities are endless.
There are a few built in extra’s to enhance the play value: a mini corner shop, 2 play panels and den posts. Each allowing children to play together, constantly encouraging development of social skills through play.
The school also asked us if we could produce some equipment which would encourage imaginative play, encourage performance skills and enhance social skills. We immediately got to work on our Performance Screen and Play Castle. With all weather and accessible surfacing the area now looks incredible and allows children of all abilities to play together with ease.
Installation took place in August 2020 for both area’s and we are thrilled with the result. The children were delighted to return to school to find the new equipment!
