Development Guide for Local Council Playgrounds
There are around 30,000 council playgrounds in the UK. Each one serves a unique community with different needs. However, there are some unifying requirements that local councils, from small Parishes to large Cities or County Councils, need to consider when designing or upgrading their playgrounds.
These requirements are:
- Staying within budget.
- Providing safe environments that last.
- Using sustainable, green materials where possible.
- Providing full accessibility and inclusivity.
- Reflecting the unique needs and history of the local area.
Council Playgrounds and Park Projects from PlaySmart
PlaySmart has been a trusted provider of quality surfacing for Parish Councils, Local Government Association, city planners, and private designers for years. Here are some recent projects from us for Local Council playgrounds and parks that our clients love…
Smart Choices for Development Budgets
Especially in the early stages of development, budgets have the potential to limit the scope of your plans and designs. As council clerks look for the best solutions, price always plays a role. At PlaySmart, we believe that the Return on Investment of a surface’s use is the best indication of which choice is best.
The longer a surface lasts, the less regularly it needs to be replaced. Therefore, the overall cost for the site is lower than if a cheaper, less durable option had been selected. With product guarantees up to 10 years and installation guarantees of 5 years, PlaySmart’s surfaces surpass industry standards for durability. We give you security that any money invested in the development of your new park will be evident in the continued consistency of the surface.
Safer Parks for Local Communities
As leading providers of safety surfacing, we know that with public parks comes a whole range of risks. With young and older users coming to use and enjoy the park facilities together, it is important to limit accidents and avoid injuries. That is where safety surfacing comes in.
Each of our products is tested and certified to meet and exceed BS EN 1177 fall protection and BS 7188 slip resistance. The SmartPlay shock pad grass mat system offers the highest level of fall protection, our EcoSmart mats with a SmartPlay underlay offering up to a 3m Critical Fall Height. For more on British Safety Standards that we recommend all public and council playgrounds follow, check out our recent article.
These grass safety mats are suitable for a range of uses beyond their common role as playground equipment safety mats. They are also often used to give extra stability to public gathering spaces that see a lot of footfall during local events like fêtes and festivals.
Sustainable Choices for Greener Futures
Corkeen is our most sustainable surface material and is therefore an increasingly popular choice for Local Councils. The Carbon Negative cork flooring is responsibly sourced and fully recyclable- giving you peace of mind throughout the lifecycle of your surface.
In the last few years, councils are dedicating more effort and money to finding sustainable solutions. Corkeen is the best solve for this concern with a simple, non-disruptive installation process and
For City Council playgrounds, Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) requirements may also be in place for the maintenance of the local ecosystem. Impermeable concrete and tarmac surfaces in older playgrounds therefore need to be replaced by a SuDS-compliant, water-permeable surface. We designed SmartPave as an alternative to impermeable paving that improves overall drainage of the site, while still providing the durability and stability of other paving options.
Creating Local Playgrounds for Everyone
Inclusivity is a core tenet of community development. Ensuring public services like parks, exercise areas, and playgrounds are suitable for everyone is an essential consideration for local planners. Stable, flat ground with pathways and gateways wide enough for wheelchairs are key to accessible design. PlaySmart’s experts can help to advise in the development or expansion of your playgrounds and parks to meet UK accessibility guidelines.
Our range of rubber surfacing includes incredibly versatile surfaces suitable for improving accessibility. JungleMulch has a unique bark-like texture that provides greater grip for wheelchairs and creates tactile pathways for the visually impaired. We recommend this solution, and our classic wetpour for accessibility ramps to improve access to the playground itself or to adjoining public buildings.
Sustainable Choices for Greener Futures
As well as our diverse range of surfacing materials, our designs and colour options are equally as varied! Using vibrant and naturalistic colours, combined into designs that accommodate your play equipment, our team develops a unique look for your outdoor space.
By using different colours, even simple designs that use basic shapes can transform a space and tell a story about the area’s history or local heritage. The colour story is perhaps the most important design factor in shaping the mood and identity of a place. Therefore, we recommend EPDM rubber designs with a wide colour range to give you more options for creativity.
Personalised patterns can incorporate unique designs that reflect local imagery like forests and rivers, local interests and events like local football team colours, or even the park name and logo! A popular example is a blue splash design around play equipment and sandy-yellow rubber wetpour. This design is perfect for a coastal or semi-coastal area, invoking the fun of the nearby seaside without the messiness of a sandy beach!
Are you Looking to Upgrade or Develop a Playground for your Local Area?
Contact our experts to discuss your options by filling in the handy form on our contact page. We can help you with the entire process, from design to installation and even the maintenance and future repairs!
