• 1.5m Quarterpipe
• Funbox Combination
• 1.5m Roll-In
• Standard & Kinked Grindrail

Click HERE to read the latest article from Carrick Gazette regarding the project.

Taking all this into account we went with the Ponta do Pico climbing structure with a 3m loop bridge to increase the play value for users. This climbing structure introduces children to the rough and tumble of physical play within a controlled and safe environment. With endless climbing possibilities, the Ponta do Pico has a challenging summit of almost 6m and a capacity for up to 46 children.

Tiger Mulch was used for the safety surfacing and also to preserve the area around the equipment. This type of surface has a woodland colour so it matches in with its surroundings but also its environmentally friendly and extremely durable.

Bow top fencing with self closing gates was installed providing a high level of security and safety.

On the 17th October in the Titanic Belfast, Creative Play Solutions took home an award for their design and installation of a playground in Ballina Town Park, Co. Mayo.
The Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI), Landscape Awards, known as the Oscars of the landscaping industry, pay tribute to ALCI members who demonstrate exceptionally high standards of professionalism and skill in the execution of a wide variety of landscape projects.

This is the second ALCI Award Creative Play Solutions has received in consecutive years. Christy Hanbury, managing director and designer for this project, gives a bit more detail on the award winning playground:
“This was a design and build project where the client requested a natural playground to complement the surrounding landscape. The site at Ballina was the old town dump and it had an existing playground which had run into disrepair. The challenge here was to create a modern and exciting play area for a large town. We were asked to create an unique design as every playground around was very urban, boxy and lacked challenge. We used crooked Robinia wood for most of the play items and we created a man made hill to set our unique hillslide play unit on.
It was important to both the customer and ourselves that the playground be accessible to everyone and this was achieved through installing special play equipment which is suitable for all inclusive play. Equipment such as the Wheelchair Accessible Roundabout, Mirage Swing Seat for special needs and Basket Nest Swing were specifically chosen to suit this brief. We included an extra wide slide on the Main Play Structure which allows an adult to accompany small and disabled children down the slide.
An element of landscaping was required for the playground to complement the existing park layout. The Client wanted a low maintenance surface and we used the Tiger Mulch to good effect on this as it looks extremely natural and has virtually no maintenance.”

The judges were Gary Graham, Bloom Manager, DME Amenity Horticulture Bord Bia and John McCullen, retired Chief Parks Superintendent, OPW. They awarded marks on a variety of criteria, including the use of plants and hard landscaping material, the extent of challenges faced by the landscaper in completing the work and the overall impression and quality of the scheme.
In assessing the Public Authority Award, the judges were very impressed by the creative design and high play value offered to children within the playground.

To read more click HERE

The brief was to create a maritime themed playground for children that will be using the yacht club facilities. The design was to cater for children of all ages and abilities with a bound rubber surface.
Taking all this into account we designed a playground that would offer a high play value to users and encourage imaginative and social play.

The equipment installed includes:
Coaster Ship – This compact and harmonic play formation combines a multitude of play equipment items for children up to 8 years.

• The stairs, with hand-grips, encourages climbing and balancing in young children.

• On the Bridge there is a steering wheel, a telescope that can both turn and tip, a side panel with numbers that can be moved, a bubble window to look through and for a quick getaway there is an adjoining slide.

• The Engine Room/ Galley under the bridge has a place with movable buttons, a turnable disc with handles and a respite bench. There is also a turnable disc pump and a sea chart with 3 movable ships that sail around a little island and another telescope that turns and tips. Even a coaster needs a GPS device these days.  The buttons can be moved in different directions and this area provides opportunities for imaginative play as a cave or hideaway.

• The is two scramble nets and a swinging rope at the bow of the boat which provides extra stimulus and play value.

Basket Swing – Children love swinging motions and the traditional swing is always a popular item in any playground. Allowing for the interaction with adults and children the swing is an essential element to every playground. The basket is suitable for all inclusive play allowing children to lie fully supported within the basket. The use of natural Robinia hardwood with a “crooked” finish” makes this unit blend in with natural play areas.

.7 Easy Music Solutions for your Outdoor Area by Percussion Play

Zone 2:
The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is a 24m x 15m ball court with 2m x 3m wide goals with basketball provision and artificial grass. The MUGA offers users to play either basketball and/or football. It will encourage children to communicate with one another and social play.

Zone 3:
The fitness equipment that was installed was aimed for upper and lower body exercises, through stretching, strengthening, toning and developing key muscle areas. The equipment installed included a waist twister, bicycle & stepper, twin air walker, arm rotation, adductor & abductor and workout station. Tiger Mulch surfacing was used as it is extremely tough and durable. Due to its natural colour it blends in with the surrounding environment.

The design was to cater for two groups – Junior (2-5 years) and Seniors (6-12 years). A natural playground was the preferred material for the playground equipment. Bound rubber surface and grass mats were also requested.

Taking all this into account we designed a playground that would give a high play value to users, promote fitness and make it an attractive, fun place for children to come to.

The equipment installed includes:
A multi-play unit which is located just as you enter the site on top of a hill, which gives that wow factor. With this being the focal point of the playground the other equipment is located around it. The junior area is to the left of the unit as you enter the park.
The junior area has its own multi-play unit, a roundabout and swings.
The senior area, located to the back and right of the unit has a contact/ hexagonal swing, a 4 person seesaw and a cable way.
Also to the right of the park is a picnic area which is perfect for adults to meet and also for families to have their own little picnic.

The playground has security fencing the whole way around with one self closing entrance gate. Tiger Mulch surfacing was used for the high impact area in the junior area and grass mats used for the senior areas. Ballylusk Dust was used for the wheelchair access paths.