Play & Activity December 2023

December 2022 Showcasing quality solutions

GroundsFest a big hit with play companies 11 September. Katherine Perkins, Managing Director for Wicksteed, revealed why GroundsFest is the ideal event: “There are not many exhibitions where we can actually install our equipment in the ground, so it is the best place for us to showcase the products.”

The first ever GroundsFest, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 20 and 21 September, proved to be a huge success for the play sector.

A much-anticipated event for the industry, GroundsFest united every corner of the play sector and brought together 6,511 unique visitors (excluding exhibitors) across the two days.

Companies such as Kompan, Wicksteed Leisure, Play and Leisure, The Play Inspection Company, Redlynch Leisure, Huck Nets UK, Star Rubber Environmental and eibe Play all had a stand in the outdoor play area at GroundsFest.

Several play companies have already booked for the event next year, which takes place on 10 and

The Association of Play Industries’ new Chair, Dr Amanda Gummer, took to the stage to present: Playgrounds At The Heart Of Communities, a video of which can be seen here.

To watch the show highlights please visit the Grounds Fest Youtube Channel at https://www. youtube.com/@groundsfest.

On the first evening, exhibitors and visitors enjoyed the festival aspect of the event. With a range of food stalls and live entertainment headlined by a popular Queen tribute band, it was the perfect way to conclude the first day at GroundsFest.

Organisers said GroundsFest united every corner of the industry and brought together 6,511 unique visitors (excluding exhibitors) across the two days.

Event Director Christopher Bassett, said: “From the very start we wanted GroundsFest to be an event for everyone and to be able to establish a real sense of community.

Over the two days we’ve had sunshine, we’ve had rain showers, but more importantly we’ve had collaboration, built relationships, witnessed innovation at its finest and ultimately come together to celebrate the industry and have a great time with one another.

“The positive feedback has been overwhelming but we’re certainly not resting on our laurels.

“We’re already planning how we can improve the event for 2024 by listening to every single piece of feedback and by analysing

both the exhibitor and visitor surveys. We’ll certainly be back with GroundsFest chapter two in September 2024 and we cannot wait to welcome you all again.”

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API Members get an exclusive discount on GroundsFest stand bookings for 2024. If you are interested in taking a stand at Groundsfest 2024, please contact Charles Neale on 01474 240 228 or charles.neale@groundsfest.com For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

Proludic Playground revamp celebrates unique city Page 12

API welcomes new independent chair The Association of Play Industries has appointed Dr Amanda Gummer as the new Independent Chair.

A psychologist and CEO of research consultancy Fundamentally Children, Amanda brings over 20 years’ experience of working with children and families and is passionate about children’s play.

“I’m thrilled to be on board and keen to build on the API’s progress of recent years,” says Amanda.

“The need for children to play outdoors freely and safely has never been so important and I’m looking forward to working with our members to promote the UK play industry and to campaign for every child’s right to everyday play.”

profile and championed a diverse and representative Executive Committee.

Amanda replaces Mark Hardy, who steps down after almost 10 years. Under Mark’s leadership, the association has launched multiple play campaigns gaining national press and TV coverage, grown the API’s

“The new perspective she brings will be invaluable and I’m excited to see what the API achieves next under her leadership.”

“Amanda has a wealth of experience and will be a breath of fresh air to the industry and beyond,” says Mark.

Gerflor Taraflex AE sports floor donated Page 12

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BESPOKE TIMBER PLAYGROUNDS WITHOUT THE BESPOKE PRICE TAG

FREE DESIGN AND SAFETY REGULATIONS REVIEW READER ENQUIRY 29

contactus@eibe.co.uk READER ENQUIRY 30

01483 813834

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Play & Activity

www.landscapeandamenity.com

A passion for play

At eibe Play, our passion is providing children with the best play equipment to assist their development.

Countless studies prove that physical activity (preferably in fresh air) directly supports a child’s growth, development, and health.

We will take care of the planning and design of your play area! eibe’s playground designs are adventurous and challenging yet safe and secure. It is crucial that play spaces are also inclusive and are designed to allow for the participation of children with a wide range of abilities.

But how can we maximise these benefits through well-designed play spaces? Ask the experts!

Eibe Play’s equipment is constantly evolving as we aim to manufacture innovative ranges

DECEMBER 2023

that are inclusive and accessible to children of all abilities.

Innovation that fires the imagination

When it comes to the design of new play equipment, eibe is here to support you from the beginning with full service: individual consultation, visits at the site, and bespoke concepts.

At HUCK, we strive to create truly innovative and engaging play structures that give children the space to engage with one another, explore their imaginations and exercise their bodies.

Thanks to many years of experience, the designers at eibe will help implement your ideas in clear, easy-to-visualise stages and work with you on each individual step of the journey, managing costs for the duration of your scheme.

We have a fantastic variety of ropebased play equipment, including small and large scale structures.

Our range includes play towers, rope bridges, tunnels, climbing structures and a whole lot more!

Our incredible design team can work with you on custom and bespoke projects, whether that’s singular pieces of equipment or a full-scale playground.

Our project managers work seamlessly together with our internal specialists: You will always have a direct contact person who can consult, advise and refer you whenever you have a specific question.

Eibe Play Enquiry 31

create an eye-catching and stimulating play environment.

We’re rolling out powder-coating options for our galvanised steel frameworks, giving you even more choices when it comes to customising your playground.

You can get in contact with us to discuss more about powder

coating possibilities. Not only do we design and supply amazing playground equipment, but we also install the pieces.

We’re at every step to ensure our high quality and safety standards are maintained throughout the process.

HUCK

Enquiry 32

Depending on your requirements, we can use timber or steel, along with our signature Hercules rope, to craft our unique playground structures. Take your pick from a range of rope colours to match your landscape or pick something that stands out to

Gerflor donates Taraflex AE Proludic playground revamp sports floor to youth centre celebrates unique city A Warrington Youth Centre that hosted a live vocal performance forty years ago from Freddie Mercury, who would later go onto to be the frontman of rock legends Queen, has been given some much-needed help by international flooring and interiors specialist Gerflor.

As part of Gerflor’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the company played a positive role by donating an Olympic pedigree Taraflex Sports surface in ‘Silver Gray’ that would benefit the Community and support Grass Roots for many years to come.

A Doctor who volunteers and helps to run the Penketh Youth

Centre outside of her busy schedule, takes up the story.

Dr Leila Dirir said: “The hall was built sometime in the early 1960’s and was funded as a youth club for decades but sadly fell into disrepair in the mid -1990’s.”

Dr. Leila further commented: “Back in Jan 2020 I was called

by David Carter, Sports National Sales Manager from Gerflor, who had heard we were a small community youth centre that was struggling and were desperate for a new sports floor.

“It was such an amazing opportunity, that they were offering to donate a brand new Taraflex Olympic pedigree sports floor.”

Commenting on the project, David Carter said, “On this occasion, it became clear that a small hall of around 120m2 has much more importance to the community than many larger halls. The existing flooring surface was in a state of disrepair. It looked troublesome but we produced the right solution by supplying and donating our high performance Taraflex AE system.”

David Carter continued: “Its’ something that Gerflor as a company and also myself are really proud to help with. Penketh Youth Centre now have a floor from an Olympic supplier right in the heart of the community.”

Gerflor Enquiry 33

In a bold initiative, Brighton & Hove City Council has revealed its second-largest outdoor playground equipment refurbishment project in history to the tune of £3 million, allocating a substantial £308,000for the transformation of the Hollingdean Park play area.

This ambitious undertaking, undertaken in partnership with Proludic, not only revitalises a cherished community space but also introduces recreational amenities tailored to teenagers and adults.

The project’s success is attributed to the active involvement of the public in shaping its trajectory.

Brighton & Hove City Council engaged the community in the tender specification process, going above and beyond by consulting with residents on-site to present the design and gather invaluable feedback before initiating the installation.

Tim Bird, the Area Manager for the southeast, collaborated closely with Proludic’s skilled design team, incorporating a community-driven perspective to fashion a concept tailored to the unique features of the location and neighbourhood. The result is a design that pays homage to Brighton’s distinctive elements, including its vibrant city centre, stunning coastline, and the majestic South Downs.

Nestled on the edge of the South Downs, Hollingdean Recreation Ground now seamlessly integrates the rolling hills, shimmering sea, and dynamic city centre through striking wetpour graphics.

The design features inclusive elements such as an embankment slide and wheelchair accessible

roundabout, and the centrepiece is a towering 6.5-meter lighthouse multiplay unit that not only serves as a focal point but also provides panoramic views of the sea.

The playground’s layout acknowledges the need for inclusivity, addressing the lack of facilities for younger children and those with special needs.

Tactile features and play panels encourage role-playing and intergenerational play, while accessible low-level equipment caters to children of all abilities.

The Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) unit reflects strategic thinking to foster inclusivity and minimise antisocial behaviour.

Thoughtful panel design on the frame reduces noise pollution, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. Safety is paramount,

with multiple entrances and exits, and coastal-themed flooring adds aesthetic appeal.

The refurbished play area is expected to attract visitors from miles around, offering an exhilarating cableway and a bespoke wheelchair-accessible embankment slide. Surrounding the lighthouse unit is “amphitheatre” style seating, providing parents with an observation spot and a gathering space for relaxation and socialising.

To mark the grand reopening attended by the Mayor, Proludic organised an enchanting event featuring a performance by a Brighton Circus bubble artist, adding a magical touch to the celebration of the enhanced playground.

Proludic

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Star rubber are proud to introduce a new line of 2D pre-formed graphics for EPDM wet pour surfacing. Made from high quality, full colour EPDM wet pour and preformed for ease of installation, complete your surface with crisp graphics or even a bespoke logo. The only limitation is your imagination.

Full brochure available on request, please contact

info@starrubber.co.uk for more information.

www.star-rubber.co.uk

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www.star-rubber.co.uk | info@starrubber.co.uk | 01458 253377