Customer case
Castle Park Playground, Colchester City Council
Case Details
Location
United Kingdom
Customer
Colchester City Council
Sector
Parks & Recreation
Style
Freestanding, Play Systems
Age
2-16
USER CAPACITY
250+
A project that emphasised inclusivity, accessibility and longevity
Colchester City Council appointed KOMPAN to develop a concept design proposal for the refurbishment of the Castle Park playground, one of the city’s most prominent family destinations. Our proposal responded to extensive public consultation and aimed to create a modern, inclusive and durable play environment that reflected local identity, improved accessibility, and met the long-term needs of a high footfall, heritage-sensitive site.
Strategic placement was essential, with high energy climbing and swinging equipment positioned to accommodate larger groups, while sensory and younger age play was located closer to seating for easy supervision. We carefully selected robust metal equipment, ramped access routes and smooth surface transitions to enhance safety, accessibility and long term durability.
This project emphasised inclusivity, accessibility and longevity, aligning with KOMPAN’s commitment to inclusive, high quality play. With this in mind we incorporated durable materials and inclusive equipment.
Our goal for the new site was to achieve a truly inclusive play environment that supports children of all abilities while encouraging shared experiences between users, families and carers. We aimed to create a space that would respond directly to public consultation feedback, accommodate a wide age range, and provide a balanced mix of physical challenge, imaginative play and sensory engagement. The design inspiration was drawn from both the site’s heritage setting and KOMPAN’s commitment to inclusive, durable and high value play experiences that promote social interaction, physical development and long term community benefit.
Since its completion, the new facility has provided a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that supports a diverse range of users and play styles. The playground layout encourages shared play, helping to encourage a stronger sense of community and intergenerational engagement. The introduction of this space has led to increased use of the upper park, improved accessibility for wheelchair users and families with additional needs, and the creation of a destination play area suitable for events, daily use and future community activities.
“It was a real pleasure to officially open Castle Park’s new playground alongside local children and families. This is a space created with young people at its heart, and seeing children enjoy it for the very first time was a wonderful reminder of why community-led projects like this matter so much. Castle Park is a much-loved part of Colchester, and this new playground will be enjoyed by families for many years to come.”
The Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Michael Lilley
Inclusive destination playground arranged into three themed zones
The design included a large, inclusive destination playground arranged into three themed zones with each zone offering a balanced mix of active, social and sensory play, supported by integrated seating areas and shaded spaces for comfort and supervision. Continuous safety surfacing ensured step free access throughout the site, with quieter sensory and sand play areas providing calm spaces alongside more energetic activities. We also ensured that the site was equipped with inclusive multi play structures, large climbing frames, slides, shared use swings, accessible roundabouts, in ground trampolines, sand play equipment and sensory play elements drawn from the extensive KOMPAN inclusive play ranges.
“It’s fitting that today’s official opening was shared with local children, including Faith, whose artwork captured the imagination behind this project. The new playground reflects the ideas of the community and shows how listening to residents and young people can create a space that children of all abilities can enjoy together.”
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure
PHYSICAL
Games area to help elevate fitness, muscle and bone strength, motor skills and cognitive function.
Cognitive
Joy of learning: curiosity, understanding of causal relationships and knowledge of the world
SOCIAL - EMOTIONAL
A safe space to help children nurture their social skills through teamwork and provide a sense of belonging. Decreasing a Child's stress and increasing their joy while on holiday.
Creative
Joy of creating: co-creation and experimenting with materials
Want to know more about cases like this?
Please fill in your contact details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Click to activate the map
and find a KOMPAN site near you