Stockton-on-Tees use Timberplay to create magical woodland play space.

Wynyard Woodland Park´s existing play space is old, antiquated and of low play value. Funded partly through the Playbuilder programme, this new investment will ensure the development is one of the best in the local area when it opens in summer 2010.

The finished design for the play space is one which should appeal to playground users of all ages and abilities. Playground equipment has been selected on the basis that it is not prescriptive and supports many types of play, enabling children to interpret the equipment as they wish, using their imagination and creativity. A focal point of the play area is the Play Village, which is complemented by The Pyramid Towers. These have been designed to include features of differing levels of difficulty, meaning that children of all physical abilities can play alongside each other on the same equipment, encouraging better interaction and more sociable play.

Martyn Scholey, sales and marketing director at Timberplay comments on this exciting project:-
“Working with a client that has such clear aspirations has been very rewarding. From the outset they have been committed to the ethos of naturally inspired play and have consequently recognised the potential of our equipment. They have chosen some of our most imaginative products which are going to look incredible in such breathtaking surroundings.

Stockton Council were pleased that the Timberplay range uses sustainably sourced wood and has used key wooden structures throughout their design. The Climbing Forest with its tall upright trunks will be surrounded by the new trees creating a forest feel and enhancing the magical woodland setting and sense of discovery and excitement.

The overall vision of Stockton Council was to develop a play space that works in synergy with the natural environment, creating adventurous, dynamic play opportunities for all users, irrespective of age and ability. With the installation process making great progress I am sure that come summer 2010, park users, old and new, will love this imaginative addition to an already stunning parkland.”

Alongside the play equipment Stockton Council has invested heavily in landscaping, creating sheltered areas and scrub woodland, perfect for den building and imaginative play. They are also installing pockets of sensory play equipment, hidden within the woodland to delight children and adults visiting the play area.

In addition to receiving funding from the Playbuilder initiative, Wynyard Woodland also benefitted from investment from Impetus Environmental Trust and Stockton Council.