PCE305121
Pathfinder
2+ years
104 m2
66 Users
customer case
Stratford Park Junior Play Area, Stroud District Council
“Stroud declared a climate emergency because there is a climate emergency! There has been for many years and as a public authority, as a council we think it’s our role to lead by example. We have three principles, to be an exemplar, to an enabler, and to be an encourager of the changes we believe the world needs to make. Sustainability and reducing our environmental impact are very important principles for Stroud District Council. So we are looking all the time to reduce our environmental impact and carbon emissions, to promote sustainability, to move towards a circular economy in principle. So the more recycled, reused materials, the lower the carbon footprint the better for us.”
Councillor Martin Brown, Stroud District Council Chair of Community Services and Licensing Committee, Green Councillor representing Bisley
Good environmental practice were key
Stroud District Council had a clear brief to create a play area that was accessible, inclusive, had maximum play value, and that also allowed parents and carers to spend more time there with their children. At it’s heart it had to have good environmental practice, which were key parts of the tender.
Stroud were one of the first councils to declare a climate emergency in 2019. To help reach their carbon neutrality goal of 2030, our design proposal included recycled plastic from ocean waste and post-consumer textiles.
The proposed play area layout included our inclusive Pathfinder play unit as the centrepiece. This included a large access ramp and low level play experiences and activities such as interactive and sensory play panels. A Little Spider Swing with inclusive seat, Playhouse, Pony Seesaw, Spinner Bowl and Double Car were also added to the play unit to offer additional play value for the younger visitors.
The surfacing is KOMPAN’s very own SneakerGrind. It is 100% recycled rubber, 20% of which is recycled trainer soles. This included wildlife graphics and games.
There has been a fantastic response to the new playground. This bright, engaging and welcoming play area is perfect for the local children. It gives another reason to visit this gorgeous park and to stay a bit longer. It has also proved extremely popular with parents, giving them the option to catch up and get a drink or some lunch at the next door cafe while their children play.
We are extremely proud to have been involved and to have worked with Stroud District Council to push these greener playgrounds/projects.
Green Nomination
The play area was shortlisted for the Major Project of the Year at the National Sustainability Awards 2025.
This recognition marked a significant milestone in KOMPAN’s commitment to making responsible choices, innovation, and long-term impact.
“The playground is fantastic. I really love the colours and vibrancy of it. It’s great to see children enjoying it and we’ve had fantastic feedback from families including parents of disabled children about how much their children enjoyed the experience. It’s just one more reason for families to come to Stratford Park in Stroud and enjoy it.” “As a council we’ve put the climate and nature and emergency at the heart of everything we do. So when we were looking at options we wanted to make sure that any supplier could meet those criteria and provide greener benefits and the use of recycled materials is fantastic. We’ve done a lot on the use of single use plastic trying to reduce the use and the importance of the circular economy and reusing materials is really important.”
Councillor Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader of Stroud District Council, Green Councillor representing the Wooton-under-Edge Ward
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
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