Redevelopment of Bamburgh Play Area for Enhanced Inclusivity.

Background

The Bamburgh Play Area, originally created by us in 2009, has long been a cherished recreational space for the Bamburgh community. Over the years, it had evolved into a hub of family activity. However, with the passage of time, it became evident that there was an opportunity to enhance inclusivity and introduce modern play elements that would revitalise the space for future generations.

The overarching objectives of the redevelopment project were as follows:

1. Innovative Play Features: To introduce new, exciting play elements while maintaining a strong focus on inclusivity.

2. Community Engagement: To actively involve the local community in the decision-making process, ensuring their voices were heard, and their needs were met.

3. Sustainable Practices: To adopt eco-friendly practices and materials in line with contemporary environmental standards.

Key features incorporated into the redesigned play area included:

1. Inclusive Play Equipment: The playground was thoughtfully updated with new inclusive play elements, carefully selected to cater to children of diverse abilities. The iconic Bamburgh Pirate Ship was enhanced to maintain its inclusivity.

2. Safety and Accessibility: Significant improvements were made to ensure safety and accessibility. An all-weather surface was installed, levelling areas were created using soil spoils to enhance accessibility, and natural gradients within the park were utilised to introduce height variations.

3. Community Input: Residents and park users actively participated in the redevelopment process, offering valuable input, feedback, and preferences that played a pivotal role in shaping the playground’s design.

4. Sustainability: The project embraced sustainable practices by repurposing existing boulders to create a retaining wall. Eco-conscious materials and methods were employed, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility.