Children inhabit a wonderfully imaginative world and our design sets the scene for children to become explorers, scavengers or planthunters venturing out into the woodlands of Westonbirt, The National Arboretum and returning to our new Exploratree playground with found treasures to investigate.
Inclusivity and accessibility are integral to our design proposal; influencing our choice of play features, layout, materials, surfacing, signage, circulation, seating and sensory features.
Designed specifically for EYFS children, but to be enjoyed by all, this area provides opportunities for imaginative, role play and investigation. Through exploratory play children learn about the world and the effect they can have on the environment.
The Explorer’s House is a 4m tall structure designed to be an imaginative, wonky and playful dwelling that the explorers (children) have built using scavenged items and natural materials. Sitting just beyond the centre of the playground, it is designed to be a ‘wow factor’ enticing visitors in from beyond the entrance.
The Walkway wraps around the Explorer’s Lab and provides a retainer edge for the pea gravel and a higher point to interact with the play below. The open sides at the lowest level (14) and rope balustrade ( as the walkway inclines, allows clear sight lines and easy supervision from any point across the site and cafe area.
Accessibility and inclusivity were key considerations in the design of this playground, and we wanted to
ensure the main play features can be enjoyed by every user of the space, including those with limited mobility and wheelchair users. The 1:12 incline non-slip walkway provides an accessible route to the The Explorer’s House platform and interactive features. The rubber mulch safety surface linked to the path provides full accessibility to the House at ground level, and a fully accessible loop linking back to the start of the walkway for those who are able to use the wide slide.
