Apelviken, Varberg

Varberg Municipality aimed to make its Apelviken beach area a top destination for families with children. An important piece of the puzzle was to create a spectacular play activity right on the seafront. And the city's landscape architects had the vision crystal clear.

They visualised an undulating climbing landscape that blended perfectly with the natural surroundings. The netted landscape would be reminiscent of typical Halland sand dunes in its shape and also have elements of fishing gear hanging out to dry on the coast.

Our playground designers listened and created a huge customised Corocord climbing net, complete with a lobster trap tunnel, buoys, fishing nets and a lookout. All according to the architects' vision sketches and in a colour reminiscent of sand and reeds.

The large netted landscape is filled with play activities. Climbing around the net exercises children's arm, leg and trunk muscles and develops their balance, coordination and spatial awareness. The generous space and transparency of the net encourages social play and co-operation. There are also plenty of places to take a break together or on your own, such as the lookout tower or the black rubber membranes. Activities of varying difficulty, at different heights allow all children to participate in the play. Under the net there are several activities at ground level such as a hammock that serves as both a resting place and a swing. Vines hanging down and a ball rattling are influenced by the play above and promote playing together no matter where you are.

The slide membrane invites sliding, rolling and running and trains children's empathy and ability to take turns. Climbing to the top and waving to their parents down on the ground gives children a wonderful sense of pride that develops their self-confidence.

The Cocowave swing next to the net also requires co-operation and trains children's ability to determine how their joint movements affect height and speed.