A new inclusive play area has officially opened at Bourdillon Field in Goring-onThames, offering a vibrant and accessible space for children of all abilities to play, learn and grow together.
The project, led and developed by specialist play designers and installers Proludic in collaboration with Goring-onThames Parish Council, was created to meet the needs of children aged two to twelve.
It followed a 2019 review of Goring’s green spaces, which identified the need for improved play facilities, particularly those accessible to children with disabilities and special needs.
“We’re thrilled to have partnered on the creation of a brand-new inclusive play area at Bourdillon Field Play Area, Goring-on-Thames - bringing
fun, freedom and accessibility to children of all abilities,” said the client project team.
The play area features a bespoke boat-themed play unit called the Bourdillon Belle, which includes a triple slide and an inclusive dual slide designed to ignite children’s imaginations.
A custom multiplay structure includes a special panel designed by children from the village, brought to life using Proludic’s unique Grafic Games technique.
The playground also features accessible swings, seesaws, wheelchair accessible roundabouts, sensory zones, colourful surfacing and communication boards for non-verbal users. A magical resin-bound sensory trail weaves through the space, complete with animal geocaches and playful archways.
The inclusive space was developed through close collaboration between the local community and Proludic to bring children together through imaginative, accessible, and meaningful play.
The project stands as a proud example of a joyful, community-led initiative.
The playground, which offers over 220 play values and has a capacity for 170 users, was officially opened by district councillor Maggie FilipovaRivers, who said: “Seeing so many excited children queuing to enter, with smiling parents and grandparents looking on, was truly one of the most joyous occasions I have had the pleasure of attending in my capacity of Goring’s district and county councillor.”
Proludic Enquiry 23
Taraflex triumph for Gerflor
at Langley School
Langley School is a secondary school with academy status situated in the Borough of Solihull, West Midlands.
With a requirement to obtain the best sports floor on the market Langley School turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply over 680m 2 of their world-class Olympic pedigree Taraflex vinyl sports flooring.
As the main hall would also have to facilitate other nonsports activities including exams the school also opted for Tara fl ex ® Bateco, which is a moveable solution for protecting multi-sports floors falling on non-sporting activities.
Outlining their decision to specify Gerflor sports products Mark Brown, Facilities Manager at Langley School said: “We decided to upgrade our sports flooring surface to Taraflex for the duty of care and protection qualities the product delivers, which is safer and more comfortable for our students. The durability of the Taraflex from Gerflor is absolutely first class and truly fit for purpose for many years to come.”
Commenting on the project Wayne Andrews, Gerflor Key Account Sports and Education Manager North said, “Mark Brown was extremely pleased with the initial consultation and the free site survey and follow
up. Mark is incredibly delighted with the end result and service Gerflor offered along with FLR Group’s excellent installation.”
The installation of the new Taraflex Evolution sports floor at Langley School would be undertaken by the Solihullbased FLR Group. Adam Kaid, Contracts Manager, FLR Group said, “We know that the Gerflor Taraflex sports flooring is meeting and surpassing expectations. We are really delighted with the end result and would definitely install and if given the opportunity specify Gerflor again.”
Gerflor
Enquiry 24
New report calls for a national play strategy
A landmark report from the Raising the Nation Play Commission was launched on the #InternationalDayOfPlay.
The Association of Play Industries is a proud sponsor of the Commission, and API Chair, Dr Amanda Gummer, has served as one of the Commissioners throughout this year-long, independent inquiry.
Launched at the House of Lords, the report highlights how childhood has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. With fewer public playgrounds, growing safety fears and rising screen time, children’s opportunities to play outdoors have declined by 50% in a generation.
Attending the launch, Dr Amanda Gummer said: “It was encouraging to see the level of support for the Commission and the Report. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a Commissioner over the last 12 months. The momentum is growing and it is an exciting time for play.”
The Play Commission’s wideranging recommendations include:
• A National Play Strategy for England, led by a dedicated Minister for Play A statutory Play Sufficiency Duty for local authorities
• Investment in public playgrounds and safe spaces to play
• The removal of ‘No Ball Games’ signs
• Raising the digital age of consent to 16 A ban on mobile phones during the school day
The report draws on evidence and contributions from over 150 organisations and individuals and is backed by over 1,200 signatories, including GPs, educators, local government leaders, charities and built environment experts.
We believe this report is a powerful call to action and a vital step in our mission to ensure that every child has access to free, local, highquality play areas.
