Garland Park Play Proposals Consultation
Asking for your feedback on the play proposals
As the final phase of Garland Park nears, we want to get your feedback on the play proposals available to ensure we deliver a result you are happy with. We have been hard at work designing play experiences which are sensitive to the surrounding context, and considerate of neighbouring properties.
The proximity of play equipment to neighbouring properties is a key consideration, with attention paid to sight lines and potential for noise disturbance.
We have considered the existing play equipment in Garland Park and have selected a variety of accessible, inclusive, and multisensory pieces accordingly to ensure there are play opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities, with particular focus on providing better younger years play.
Play concepts
We want play to be accessible to all ages and abilities, which is why we have chosen accessible, inclusive, and/or multigenerational play pieces for 8 of the 10
stations, meaning nobody has to feel left out.
The RAF history of Alconbury Weald serves as the principal inspiration for the play themes in this phase of Garland Park, acknowledging local history as the development moves into a new, bright future.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 1
Pairs Game is a fun symbol-matching game which encourages cognitive stimulation and contributes to healthy brain development. The game is suitable for ages 2+ and can be equipped with bespoke tiles to reference the RAF history local to Alconbury Weald.
Tic Tac Toe is a game of strategy for two players to enjoy.
Please click on your choice for this station and click the save button.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 2
Wheelchair Seesaw
Appearing as the ‘Runway’ in the RAF-themed play sequence, the Wheelchair Seesaw is an accessible seesaw platform which rocks up and down much like a traditional seesaw, except you can also jump on it!
This well-loved bit of kit is a great way to offer an exciting and inclusive play experience which is open to a range of ages and abilities.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 3
‘Hangar’ Seating & Little Flyer
The ‘Hangar’ seating provides informal play for younger visitors who may wish to climb the steps and roll down the hill. In line with the objectives of the Make Space For Girls initiative, we wanted to ensure there was a tucked-away space to sit and relax.
Parked in the Hangar is the Little Flyer, in celebration of local RAF history.
The Amphiteatre would be constructed from timber sleepers, with the ground surfacing TBD.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 4
The Little Speedster brings imagination / role-play value allowing users to picture themselves driving like the grown-ups do, whilst the springs-supported frame adds a fun bouncy/rocking motion to the ride.
Mini Motorbikes offer similar play value, so the decision here is largely a matter of aesthetic preferences.
Please click on your choice for this station and click the save button.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 5
Toddlers' Table & Stools
The Toddlers Table & Stools is nestled into the proposed planting, providing space for more peaceful and contemplative play alone, or stimulating engagement in small groups.
This can be equipped with a Stool With Back to create a Storytelling Seat.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 6
Small Triple Swing is equipped with a toddler seat, a swing seat, and a nest swing allowing youngsters of various ability to enjoy the fun.
Sat opposite the Small Triple Swing, the Step Bench has seats of various heights with handles to provide a comfortable seat for users with a wide range of physical ability.
Older carers might like to improve their strength, reducing frailty and encouraging longevity, whilst they watch the swing play across from them.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 7
Please click on your choice for this station and click the save button.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 8
Rope Nest leans more towards hanging out with friends but also offers some degree of climbing.
Climbing Stack leans more towards climbing, but also offers the opportunity to hang out with friends.
The Climbing Pyramid's climbing rungs and net means it offers a balance of climbing and hanging out with friends.
Please click on your choice for this station and click the save button.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 9
Celebrating the RAF history of the site, the Wheelchair Carousel is an accessible piece for spinning around, which can be used by both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users. This acts as the ‘target’ for the Larch Jet Plane.
These fun imagination-play pieces not only inspire the next generation of pilots, but provide a recognisable wayfinding marker for visitors.
Proposed Play Equipment: Station 10
Station 10 concludes the RAF theme with the Rocker ‘radio antenna’ for the ‘Control tower Hut Combination, complete with ramp, platform and slide.
The Rocker allows for wobbling and can be enjoyed by youngesters who are yet to take on the free-standing nature of the Jumping Discs. ’
