Castle Park, Castlederg

During early consultations with GM Design and Derry City & Strabane District Council, KOMPAN learned that the proposed playground site at Castle Park in Castlederg was at risk of flooding from the River Derg. In addition to addressing this environmental challenge, the playground also needed to be sympathetic to its historic surroundings, as the parkland contains the remains of a 15th-century castle.

To meet the site’s specific needs, KOMPAN Northern Ireland proposed our durable Robinia wooden play equipment. Drawing from a successful project in Maisons-Alfort, located on the banks of the River Seine in South East Paris, we highlighted how the same Robinia range had withstood significant flooding in the winter of 2017. When the river there burst its banks, several feet of water submerged the play area. However, once the waters had receded, the site showed no signs of damage - demonstrating the durability of Robinia in flood prone locations.

The centrepiece for Castle Park became the Large Robinia Castle, chosen for its commanding presence and strong visual impact. This landmark structure delivers a ‘WOW’ factor while encouraging imaginative and creative play.

The vision for Castle Park was to establish a new destination playground for Castlederg and the wider community. Positioned in a historically significant area in the heart of the town, the site holds both cultural and community value.

Thanks to funding secured by Derry City & Strabane District Council through the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, we were able to design and deliver a substantial and inspiring play space. Opened as part of the broader Derg Active Project, the Castle Park Playground stands as a testament to the town’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. It encourages physical activity, promotes social interaction, and fosters a strong sense of community pride, ensuring that children and families will return again and again.