Customer Case
Stratford Park
“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.”
Martin Brown - District Council Chair of Community Services and Licensing Committee, Green Councillor representing Bisley
Inclusive Playground Design Shaped by Environmental Goals
In Stroud District Council's bid package, they were clear in their proposal requirements:
Design a play area that was accessible, inclusive, and delivered maximum play value
Ensure the space allowed parents and caregivers to spend more time there with their children
Prioritize environmental considerations through responsible material selection
Stroud was one of the first councils to declare a climate emergency in 2019, with a stated goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. Recognizing this as a key part of the bid, our proposal emphasized equipment options incorporating documented recycled plastic and post‑consumer textile content.
The proposed play area layout placed our inclusive Pathfinder play unit at the center of the space. This piece features a large access ramp and a range of low‑level play experiences, including interactive and sensory play panels, supporting inclusive use by children with a wide range of physical and sensory needs. To broaden play opportunities for younger visitors, the layout also incorporated a Little Spider Swing with an inclusive seat, along with a Playhouse, pony-themed seesaw, Spinner Bowl, and Coupe Deluxe, adding social, imaginative, and movement‑based play close to the main structure.
To further support Stroud’s environmental and inclusive requirements, the proposal included KOMPAN’s SneakerGrind surfacing, made from 100% recycled rubber, with 20% sourced from recycled athletic footwear.
Overall, Stroud concluded that KOMPAN’s proposal best addressed their requirements and selected us as their supplier. Since opening, the playground has been very well received. Children actively engage with the play space, while parents and caregivers can choose to join in or comfortably supervise nearby. The playground has given the community another reason to visit the park and stay longer.
We are proud to have worked with Stroud District Council to deliver a playground that reflects their environmental priorities and commitment to inclusive play.
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 colors 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.”
Catherine Braun - Deputy Leader of Stroud District Council, Green Councillor representing the Wooton-under-Edge Ward
Physical
Joy of movement: motor skills, muscle, cardio, and bone density
Cognitive
Joy of learning: curiosity, understanding of causal relationships, and knowledge of the world
Social-Emotional
Joy of being together: teamwork, tolerance, and sense of belonging
Creative
Joy of creating: co-creation and experimenting with materials
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