Clapton Common Play Area
The Council appointed Erect Architecture to design a brand new play area for Clapton Common in 2010. It was designed based on the responses received at a Community Engagement event on 1 June 2010. Below is a short description of the key elements and how users' feedback has helped to shape the design.
Boundaries and Seating
Users were very keen to provide a safe, relaxing environment for mothers with young children. Users also felt protective of the open character of the common and were aware that the proposed site was quite small for the anticipated density of use.
In response to this, the under 5s part of the play area was fenced with low-level fencing/seating. The area aimed at older children has been left open. This has enabled us to fully utilise the available space.
A substantial amount of both more formal, benches with and without backrests, and informal, tree stumps and timber logs, seating has been provided predominantly along the edges of the site enabling parents and carers to overlook the playground.
Play Structures
Play structures for younger and older children as well as moving equipment were very popular at the consultation event but water play was not a popular choice.
The play area includes climbing structures with slides for younger and older children as well as various types of swings, a roundabout, a trampoline and wobble dishes. The less popular water play was omitted from the design.
Please note: the main climbing structure is currently closed for repair.
Accessibility
We have provided opportunities for less able children to participate in all key experiences, swinging, rotating, climbing and moving up and down. The climbing structure for older children contains low level (easier to use) elements. The nest swing and wobble dishes can be used by physically-impaired children with the support of a parent or carer.
Planting
The existing tree line of London Plane trees has been reinforced with additional trees added to the line, in the future this will provide shade and reinforce the strong landscape character of the Common.
Construction
Construction was completed in May 2011. Some elements of the design have changed slightly from the original and some items of play equipment will not be included in the play area. This was due to the original design costing more than the available £100k budget. However the Clapton Common User Group are pursuing more grants in the hope that these missing elements could be funded in a second phase of construction. The play area will still provide great opportunities for play and enjoyment for both younger and older children.
Page updated: 23 Aug 2011
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