Parc-y-Tyle

In the original plan, long grass extended to the edge of the yellow wet pour surface. To address safety concerns about hidden objects, a revised plan introduced a mowed grass buffer between the wet pour and uncut grass for better visibility.

New vegetation, including a wildflower mix, trees, and a cut-and-collect grass system, was added to enhance the playground's appearance and support biodiversity. While black is a common, cost-effective surfacing choice, bright yellow was chosen to create a more vibrant and inviting play space.

Some preferred fencing around the play area for safety, particularly to deter poorly managed dogs. Additionally, drivers occasionally accessed the area via a grassed hill. A hedgerow was introduced as a softer boundary, though it requires time and additional planting to establish fully.

To engage teenagers, natural-looking climbing boulders were considered but excluded due to cost constraints. Instead, I explored designing a custom climbing structure to reduce expenses.

Before and After Site Photographs

Redesigning a Playground: Integrating Natural Play and Sustainability

The playground redesign focused on creating an accessible, sustainable, and imaginative play space by integrating existing landscape features and addressing practical challenges. Key natural elements, including a west-facing slope and a northern woodland, were incorporated to provide unique, high-value play opportunities. This approach aligned with guidance from Chwarae Cymru, which emphasizes natural play to enhance children's creativity and connection with their environment.

The project was constrained by limited resources, requiring innovative solutions to achieve ecological enhancements, improved accessibility, and functional design. Reusing existing equipment and opting for cost-effective design choices ensured the project met its objectives within budgetary limits.

Flooding posed a significant challenge, particularly in the park's eastern section. A swale system was introduced to channel excess water to a northeastern corner, allowing for year-round use while mitigating flash flood impacts. Newly planted trees and uncut grass were strategically placed to absorb water and support biodiversity.

The previous playground was fenced off, limiting integration with the park and its surroundings. The redesign removed fencing, enhancing spatial connectivity. However, safety concerns such as uncontrolled vehicular access were addressed by incorporating a moat-like swale profile, balancing aesthetics with practicality.

Innovative Design Features

Uncut grass and wildflower zones were added to encourage imaginative play while supporting biodiversity. The design integrated long grass near wet pour surfacing, later adjusted to include a mowed grass buffer for safety and visibility.

A single-level hard surface improved accessibility for wheelchair users and other visitors.

Inspired by the BE-MINE play construction in Beringen, efforts were made to design unique climbing structures to establish a strong identity/ landmark linked with the hill whilst also contributing to play. While high-cost climbing features were excluded due to budget constraints, the concept informed future design considerations utilising the landscape as oppose to viewing it as a barrier for play.

Ecological and Social Benefits

The redesign prioritized ecological enhancement and community engagement. Features like a wildflower lawn and swale system foster biodiversity while improving usability. Visual changes, including naturalized elements and safer boundaries, have created a space that is both functional and harmonious with its surroundings.

The redesigned playground is a testament to the power of a landscape-led approach in overcoming constraints. Although some aspirations, such as bespoke equipment, remain unrealized, the project successfully delivered a more accessible, ecologically sustainable play area. The design allows for future expansions, including potential fencing enhancements, ensuring the playground evolves with community needs.

Before-and-After Photographs and Section Drawings
Supporting visuals illustrate the transformative impact of the redesign, showcasing the thoughtful integration of natural and built elements.