Vigo Recreation Wild Park, Test Valley Borough Council

The original play area at Vigo Road Recreation Ground in Andover was outdated, uninviting, and had suffered from persistent antisocial behaviour (ASB). Recognising the need for transformation, Test Valley Borough Council launched a public consultation. Over 636 residents engaged with the survey, expressing a clear desire for a safe, engaging, and inclusive space for children of all ages.

Feedback from the community highlighted strong interest in a wildlife-themed play area, with vibrant colours, natural materials, and features catering to a wide age range. Importantly, children were also invited to draw their visions for a ‘dream park’, many of which inspired key design elements. From this process, KOMPAN were selected from six competing suppliers to bring the vision to life.

The council’s ambitions also extended beyond simply updating play equipment. This project was a key part of the wider regeneration strategy for Andover, aiming to create a destination playground that was bold, inclusive, and respectful of its urban-natural setting.

The result is Vigo Wild Park – a vibrant, wildlife inspired adventure playground that transforms a once-underused space into a community destination for families across Andover. This new play environment is more than just a collection of play equipment - it’s an immersive experience designed to engage children’s imagination, promote physical activity, and strengthen connections to the natural world.