Newtown Park

Bristol City Council set out to update and breathe new life into this popular play area. The aim of the improvements was to provide a better play experience for local children and to make the play space more exciting, challenging, and vibrant. It was also hoped that by increasing activity in the area, there would be a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

The brief included replacing three existing toddler play items and their surfacing, as well as repainting and refurbishing some retained play equipment. Improvement works had already begun, including the installation of a new fence line, which created more free space for dogs, football goals, and a new path.

With this enlarged footprint, the council wanted to introduce a spectacular and imposing centrepiece play item for older children that would also attract younger visitors. This feature needed to be dinosaur-themed, unique to the UK, and over four metres in height. It had to be constructed from steel and rope, be transparent with no enclosed spaces, accommodate a large number of children at once, and provide various climbing opportunities for different ages and abilities.

The KOMPAN design featured a giant Stegosaurus-themed rope climber, creating an impressive centrepiece for this newly refurbished play area. Blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the Stegosaurus offers numerous exciting challenges for older children while also providing younger visitors with opportunities to create their own Jurassic-themed fun and adventures. This was a bespoke piece of playground equipment designed by the innovative minds at KOMPAN.

The customer has been incredibly pleased with the final themed outcome, as have the many families and children who have visited the play area since its opening. The project has been an overwhelming success, with children playing on the playground equipment non-stop, truly establishing the site as a destination playground for the local community.