Article published on 16 December 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on a year filled with exciting play and sports projects, innovative designs, and inspiring collaborations. From playgrounds that bring joy, to children to sports areas promoting active lifestyles, every project has made a meaningful impact. Here, we spotlight some standout achievements and share insights into Proludic’s commitment to inclusivity, bespoke design, and fostering community connections.
Inclusive Play at The Nook Children’s Hospice, Norwich
One of the year’s most heartwarming projects was the creation of a fully inclusive play space at The Nook Children’s Hospice. Designed to support children with diverse needs, this vibrant playground brings families together in a safe, engaging environment.
Features like wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory panels, and inclusive swings cater to children of all abilities, fostering social interaction and creative play. The sloping site presented challenges, but Proludic’s expert team delivered a terraced design with accessible pathways, ensuring all children could enjoy the space. Highlights include a wheelchair seesaw, a wheelchair swing, and an inclusive roundabout, providing varied and stimulating play experiences.
The Nook’s playground exemplifies how thoughtful design can create joyful environments. The area becoming a safe, inclusive play space for families to bond and make lasting memories.
A Beacon of Activity at Eastoke Corner, Hayling Island
Eastoke Corner on Hayling Island underwent a £200,000 transformation, turning a neglected seaside facility into a vibrant play and sports hub. The project features a mix of equipment for children and teenagers, alongside a dedicated exercise zone for adults. Proludic’s design emphasises durability to withstand harsh coastal conditions, ensuring the park remains a welcoming space for years to come..
A standout feature is the bespoke wheelchair-accessible train unit, inspired by the Hayling Light Railway, which fosters inclusivity and social interaction. The park’s new lease on life has brought the community together. The renewal showcases how tailored designs and quality craftsmanship can rejuvenate public spaces.
Rushcliffe Country Park, Ruddington: A Playground Legacy
Proludic’s enduring partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council culminated in the partial upgrade of Rushcliffe Country Park’s play area. This project balanced the integration of modern, inclusive equipment with the restoration of existing structures. Structure including a medieval-themed multiplay unit that has served the community for over two decades.
The playground now caters to children of varying ages and abilities, encouraging active play and skill development. By prioritising maintenance and longevity, Proludic demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and creating spaces that stand the test of time.
Woodhall Farm & Apsley Lock, Hemel Hempstead
Dacorum Borough Council’s investment in revitalising play areas included the redevelopment of Woodhall Farm and Apsley Lock. Proludic’s bespoke Robinia influenced designs incorporated local heritage themes, delivering imaginative and inclusive play experiences. Durable equipment and ongoing support ensure these spaces remain vibrant community assets.
From dynamic climbing structures to sensory-rich play panels, these play areas inspire creativity and exploration while catering to children of all abilities. The partnership between Proludic and Dacorum Borough Council highlights the power of collaboration in achieving transformative community spaces.
Inclusive Play Arrives at Quarry Park, Falkirk
Quarry Park’s refurbishment in Falkirk was a collaborative effort between Proludic, Friends of Quarry Park, and Falkirk Council. Funded through the Landfill Communities Fund and the Scottish Government’s Play Renewables initiative, the project modernised the play area with inclusivity at its heart.
Proludic removed outdated structures and introduced new equipment reflecting community needs. Extensive consultations ensured the designs met local aspirations, resulting in a space that brings children and families together. Quarry Park now stands as a testament to the impact of community-driven design.
New Outdoor Gyms: Victoria Recreation Ground and Preston Park
The opening of outdoor gyms at Victoria Recreation Ground and Preston Park has added a new dimension to community fitness. Brighton is renowned as one of the most active cities in the UK, with residents embracing outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles. The addition of these two new outdoor gyms further supports the community’s commitment to staying active, providing inclusive, free-to-use fitness spaces that cater to all abilities.
Local fitness experts hosted free sessions to help residents make the most of the facilities. Funded through developer contributions, these gyms reflect a commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing. The collaboration with local residents ensured the designs were both functional and inclusive.
Sharing Expertise Through Seminars and Webinars
This year, Proludic has prioritised sharing expertise and sparking innovation through a variety of engaging events and collaborations. Our Regional Seminars, held in four locations across the country, featured inspirational speakers such as Becky Maddern from PiPA Play. Her expert seminar delivered powerful insights on creating inclusive and accessible play spaces. These seminars brought together local authorities, community leaders, and play advocates, fostering fresh ideas to enhance play experiences for children of all abilities.
In addition to the seminars, Proludic hosted a series of webinars focusing on key themes, including bespoke play design, inclusivity, and the innovative ACTI’FUN fitness concept. These sessions offered valuable guidance for housing professionals and community planners, providing practical strategies for delivering inclusive and engaging play areas. Proludic’s commitment to innovation was further strengthened through collaborations with Proludic Observatory experts and NovaChild. This is a network of universal design specialists, healthcare professionals, and disability advocates dedicated to improving children’s wellbeing through groundbreaking design and research.
A Commitment to Community-Centred Design
With over 35 years of experience, Proludic has remained dedicated to creating spaces that go beyond entertainment. Whether through bespoke designs or inclusive equipment, every project reflects Proludic’s ethos of fostering connection, wellbeing, and sustainability. As the year ends, we celebrate the achievements of 2024 and look forward to another year of enriching communities through innovative play and sports solutions.
Play and Sports Catalogue 2025
The wait is over (almost)! We’re thrilled to announce that our 2025 play and sports catalogue is just around the corner, packed with exciting new designs, innovative play solutions, and everything you need to bring joy to your communities.
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