Central Park seven continents adventure playground

'Spirit of Discovery' from Plymouth to the seven continents

Our concept for the play area in Central Park has two parallel themes. We have taken the cultural and historical essence of Plymouth and translated the theme in a playful way to create a unique playground, which illustrates graphically "The Spirit of Discovery."

Anyone who knows Plymouth will recognise famous events and landmarks that have been incorporated into the play environment and from there we set out to discover the seven continents.

Europe (up to six years)

We have recreated the Citadel with the Kompan Castle guarding Plymouth Sound. The exact shapes of the massive ramparts are picked out in a contrasting colour of wetpour. Each of the bastions has a royal seating area and huge canons are illustrated in the surfacing, ready to defend the city.

Smeaton's Tower has been represented on the nearby Hoe, this area is raised and looks out over the Sound below, where a huge sea battle is waged with the Armada. The Golden Hind complete with cannons blazing sails through the sound where canon shot and smoke is inset into the safer surface to reflect all the atmosphere of battle. Drakes Island has a small castle and children can enjoy fantasy role play games re-creating the history of Plymouth.

This area also includes the Barbican where terraced steps have been created in the bank providing children with a place to sit and watch the activity on the nearby Performance Deck or maybe take part in a little impromptu theatre of their own. This is an ideal place for large school groups or school parties to gather.

Other items of equipment all combine to create 'the Spirit of Discovery - Action and Adventure' for the younger children. On the next level of the playground, as in reality, we have portrayed the deeper blue waters of the Marina and Harbour separated by the timber boardwalk of the Dock Jetty.

In the main Harbour the Mayflower lies adjacent to the famous Mayflower Steps, a symbol of the 'Spirit of Discovery - Pioneers'. Here we have included a large play ship and the nearby lobster pot net adds another dimension to the play possibilities with bow wave, splash and beach graphics to enhance the theme.

The Harbour is at a lower level overlooked by the Barbican and Citadel making this a very exciting environment for children with the theme following the contours and providing many different layers of play.

Antarctica

Antarctica is represented by our interactive water play area set on pale wet pour with turquoise holes in the ice and penguin graphics. A hot air dryer is also included and the features include:

• water ring
• water walls
• spray arch
• mushroom jet
• 4 x pop jets

Africa (up to six years)

This area includes all the dangers of a Bush Safari with crocodile springs and the crocodile bench alongside two Transformers. The Transformers are turntable role-play structures, which enable children to recognise their Safari encampment and keep an eye on the crocodiles.

We have also included a nearby Home Base that has a picnic area and amphitheatre seating where parents and carers can take a break in the shade while their children play. The white sail of the canopy is clearly visible from all around the playground.

North America (six to 12 years)

The spirit of North America is captured with the sculptural; high tech forms of the Galaxy, reflecting the space age technology and modern engineering methods of the USA. Here six - 12 years olds can test out their abilities on the Bellatirx, which is specially designed for this physically active age group - it is sculptural, transparent and chaotic.

South America (six to 12 years)

A large Space Net illustrating the pyramidal form of South American Ziggurats represents South America. The wet pour is a light colour allowing shadows from the large structure to be clearly visible - Nazca Lines in the desert.

Asia (10+ years)

The unusual shapes of the Dino swing and the Surf Around represent Asia. One is high tech and the other is of a sculptural timber construction thus illustrating the world of contrasts that is Asia. The wet pour graphics depict the ancient symbol of Ying and Yang and both items offer high physical activity to older children.

Australia (10+ years)

The Australia zone comprises of two unique structures on a huge wet pour lizard as often included in aboriginal art. The tail of the lizard forms a path and the toes of the legs provide seating areas for children taking a break from the high activity all around.

This area has been specifically provided for the older age group. The equipment is large scale with uniquely challenging movement, which echoes the popular activities of this generation. Our parallel theme 'Spirit of Discovery' relates to the children's experiences as they play on this unique playground.

Toddlers - discovering the world of play

Some of them may be playing outside for the first time. The key for them is 'let's explore'. This is why we have provided an area that will encourage imaginative play, social interaction, and sensory and physical development in a landscape where very small children will feel safe and secure.

Juniors - discovering new opportunities

We have provided a bit of magic. A fantasy landscape designed for adventurous role-play, physical activity and creativity and co-operation.

Older children - discovering the limits

Testing out new skills and abilities - stretching themselves and showing off. We have included high activity for both girls and boys in an area, while still part of the playground is clearly set aside for this age group.

Interactive water play - discovering the properties of materials

Creativity, exploring the movement and feel of water, experimenting and surprise.

ADA - Accessible Design Approach

All children can play together. This playground allows all children equality of opportunity regardless of ability.

The choice of equipment includes items that have special access possibilities with good grips and supports for less able children. Role-play and ground level play opportunity has been provided throughout the site for all age groups and care has been taken to choose items that do not separate or stigmatise children with disabilities.

Central Park is a unique play environment. There is a lot to do and learn on this playground. Have fun and enjoy your journey through the seven continents embracing "the Spirit of Discovery." Plymouth is a unique city. Plymouth City Council has provided this area for local children and visitors to enjoy. Please read the rules at the park and take care of this special place!

[Back to top]