Create Partnerships

Timberplay partnered with the National Trust to revitalise the adventure playground at Belton House, creating a space that blends seamlessly with the estate’s historic and natural beauty.Designed to cater to a wide range of ages and abilities, the playground offers a rich variety of play experiences, set within the lush woodland of this iconic property. At the heart of the playground stands a striking 12-metre tower, offering children a thrilling climb and expansive views over the surrounding landscape.NATURAL AND DURABLE WOOD MATERIALSThis centrepiece is complemented by an array of engaging elements, including challenging climbing structures, dynamic swings, and tactile play areas that encourage exploration and imaginative play. Timberplay’s use of natural materials, such as durable timber and stone, ensures the playground complements the heritage and aesthetic of Belton House while providing long-lasting play value.INCORPORATING HISTORY WITH PLAYBy prioritising inclusivity and interaction with nature, the playground not only enhances the visitor experience but also aligns with the National Trust’s mission to connect people with historic places. This project demonstrates how thoughtfully designed play spaces can enrich the appeal of heritage sites, offering families a compelling reason to visit and return.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project especially the National Trust for the unwavering support, collaboration and confidence on this project. We are forever grateful for our relationship with this fantastic organisation. It’s exciting to work with like-minded people who value the importance of play for child development.

The "Dancing Mice" play equipment by Timberplay, manufactured by Richter Spielgeräte, is a captivating feature designed specifically for young children, combining imaginative play with gentle movement and learning.This playful setup consists of a large “mother” mouse that rotates and smaller “baby” mice connected by durable, colourful ropes. Together, these elements encourage young children to engage in role-play, movement, and early understanding of basic quantity concepts, providing an excellent play option for supervised areas such as nurseries, kindergartens, and schools.A MULTIPURPOSE PIECE OF PLAYCrafted from high-quality mountain larch, the Dancing Mice are built to withstand the rigours of outdoor play while offering a natural, aesthetic appeal. The ergonomic proportions cater to young children’s needs, with features like coloured grips to stimulate visual interest and a smooth rotating mechanism on the mother mouse that promotes balance and coordination. The inclusion of Richter’s robust Hercules rope, which combines galvanised steel with polyester yarn, ensures durability and safety.EQUIPMENT THAT PRIORITISES PLAYThe Dancing Mice offer a charming and interactive way for young children to engage with their environment, supporting motor skills and social interaction in a play environment that is both safe and enchanting. This product exemplifies Timberplay’s commitment to creating meaningful play experiences with high play value for early years settings.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSRichter Spielgeräte is a world-leading manufacturer and playground supplier for Germany that prioritises play value and quality play spaces over all else. Their range of play equipment from climbing structures to sensory play to water play offers a unique play experience for a variety of audiences.

Timberplay Scotland Ltd recently worked in collaboration with Gillespies on a pioneering new development in Dunbeg, close to Oban in the Highlands of Scotland.This development of 800 timber framed houses showcases cutting edge residential design, developed by MacLeod Construction and encompassing exemplary ecological principles. The primary objective of this project was to establish a new cohesive community, and planners recognised the pivotal role of doorstep play facilities in achieving this goal. Consequently, seven distinct play areas were created, all delivering different play opportunities for the residents.MATCHING SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENTS“We have a long standing relationship with Gillespies and were delighted to collaborate once again on this visionary development. The natural world has been embraced in all elements of the development, from the timber within the houses, to the fact that the play areas have been designed without artificial surfacing. This has created a very pleasing aesthetic for the play areas, a subtle colour palette that blends seamlessly with the beautiful landscape.”EASY MAINTENANCE OPPORTUNITIESWith only a relatively small budget, the Dunbeg project shows just what can be achieved with well selected products and landscape led play design. Each of the seven characterful pocket play areas provides diverse play experiences and demands only minimal maintenance.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project especially Gillespies, developers of the Oban housing development, for the unwavering support, collaboration and confidence on this project. It’s exciting to work with like-minded people who value the importance of play for child development.

Finnstown play area in Lucan is the newest edition to Respond Housings development in the west of Dublin. Timberplay Ireland was delighted to work with the client on the design of a family-led play space for the local community.A Climbing Structure overlooks the play space, offering a place for children to test their physical strength but also an informal seating and gathering space for parents or teenagers to gather socially. Inside the play area, physical development opportunities are positioned throughout with opportunities to test speed and balance across the Jumping Discs and climb nets and ramps to the Platform House. A Totter Trail is ideal for toddlers to experiment with physical play with steps, inclined walls, bridges and a crawl tunnel to explore.Imaginative play is also a key theme running through the play area with chances for children to play with sand and around the Platform House and pass the sand up and shoot it back down. Animals and a Big Playing House provide opportunities for children to immerse themselves with imaginative play, maybe they are running a farm or zoo.A Multi-surface Twin Swing with 1 flat seat and 1 cradle seat allows children of all ages to experience swinging and development as they grow older and work towards the flat seat. A Cradle Nest is also situated at the other end of the play area, ideal for children and adults to swing solo or with friends together as one. A Wobble Dish and Double See-Saw are also situated in this park.

In Munich-Freiham, Timberplay’s manufacturing partner, Richter Spielgeräte, collaborated with renowned landscape architects West 8 to create an extraordinary play space set within a lush, historic grove of trees.This natural haven combines innovative design with the charm of Freiham’s green landscape, offering an engaging play environment for visitors of all ages. The playground features a central slide hill topped with an intricate climbing structure, inviting children to test their balance and bravery while exploring multiple ways to ascend and descend.VARIED PLAY OPPORTUNITIESA short walk into a forest clearing reveals a dedicated sand play area for younger children, encouraging hands-on creativity and sensory play. Adding to the uniqueness, a herd of wild boar sculptures provides a space for gentle swinging and imaginative role-play, while hexagonal and triangular platforms scattered throughout the area offer opportunities to climb, gather, and discover.CONNECTING WITH NATUREWith its thoughtful integration into the natural landscape, this Freiham play space exemplifies how well-designed, nature-centric playgrounds can offer enriching, multi-generational experiences, making it a model for sustainable play environments that harmonise with their surroundings.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTRichter Spielgeräte is a world-leading manufacturer and playground supplier for Germany that prioritises play value and quality play spaces over all else. Their range of play equipment from climbing structures to sensory play to water play offers a unique play experience for a variety of audiences.

Heeley People’s Park is located in Heeley, a suburb on the border of the Sheffield City Centre. Historically the park was a former built-up residential area, today, the beautiful community-owned Park provides residents with a green lifeline, exercise space, picnic spot and playground.In March 2020 Heeley Trust successfully fundraised via FCC Community Foundation for a complete refurbishment of the playground. Timberplay were charged with creating an inclusive and exciting design for the play area to engage the whole community. A Pyramid Tower with Tunnel Slide offers the chance for children to experience adventure whilst the Whirlwind also offers adventure whilst also enabling children to learn about the forces and gravity.VARIED PLAY OPPORTUNITIESClimbing Ropes are installed to complement the landscape of the hill in the play space, these offer challenge for people of all ages and are often harder for older children as their centre of gravity changes. A Playhouse is placed in the trees to offer a hiding and creative space for younger children to gather or have alone time. Alongside the Playhouse, an iconic Richter Spielgeräte Snail can be found creating a small area for younger children to explore imaginative play. A Platform House 4906 gives a chance for younger children, or older children less comfortable with the Pyramid Tower and Tunnel slide, a chance to physically challenge themselves. An Inclined Net and Ladder offer access to the Platform and Platform House, with an exciting exit down the smaller Stainless Steel Slide. The works also included new signage, seating, landscaping and repairs to remaining equipment.CONNECTING WITH NATUREThe playground cements the great relationship between Heeley Trust and the Create Partnerships brand, which is made up of several companies including Timberplay, All Urban and Lightmain. Lightmain installed the Heavy-Duty Multi-Use Games Area at Heeley People’s Park back in 2013. Whilst, street furniture and lighting specialists, All Urban, supplied the concrete Seating Stone in the play area. The refurbishment breathes new life into the playground and provides play equipment not seen in Heeley before. The space offers the community access to a brand new exciting playground that challenges users physically, mentally and socially. In particular, the playground now emulates the values of the rest of the park by encouraging children and adults to connect with nature and natural elements.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project especially Heeley Trust for the unwavering support, collaboration and confidence on this project. We are forever grateful for our relationship with this fantastic organisation. It’s exciting to work with like-minded people who value the importance of play for child development.

Hogmoor Inclosure is the UK's third-largest Suitable Area of Natural Greenspace (SANG). Designated as a new community space in, the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company oversee the management of this expansive 54-hectare blend of woodland and heathland. Tasked with the development, their efforts have successfully transformed the area into a prized community asset. A significant portion of the project has reached completion, resulting in a haven for wildlife. Today, the site attracts visitors for leisurely walks, picturesque picnics, and various recreational activities.BLENDING NATURAL PLAY WITH THE SURROUNDING BEAUTYAt the core of this lively environment lies a sprawling play area expertly crafted and implemented by Timberplay. Installed in 2017, the play area has now seamlessly integrated into its surroundings, flourishing alongside the natural landscape. Positioned adjacent to a lake, the play zone includes a diverse array of play equipment carefully curated to provide stimulating experiences for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. Dominating the scene are two interconnected pyramid towers that soar above, offering breath-taking vistas for those daring enough to ascend to the summit before descending down the sleek stainless steel slide.RANGING PLAY TO SUIT THE MAJORITY OF AGES AND ABILITIESAn expansive sand play area sits seamlessly within this natural setting, offering abundant opportunities for social play. Sand is just one example of the elemental play which abounds within the space, giving children the encouragement and ability they need to immerse themselves in the play landscape. This contact with their play world subsequently serves as a bridge to empower them to explore and play within the wider site beyond the boundaries of our playscape. A Toddler See Saw and Wide Slide are ideal for younger children, whereas thrill seekers can fulfil their need for speed on the Zip Wire or Hexagonal Rotating Disc.These pictures were captured towards the end of 2023 and it is wonderful to see the playground vibrant condition, bringing joy to children, even in the midst of the decidedly chilly weather.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project including: Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, a Taylor Wimpey and Dorchester Regeneration, and Dead Water Valley Trust. This play area is one of a kind, being nestled within and amongst a gorgeous wooded landscape, the natural play blends seamlessly into its environment.

The South Bank is one of the busiest tourist areas in London, with visitors from around the world flocking to enjoy the attractions.In the shadow of the London Eye and round the corner from Big Ben is Jubilee Gardens playground, a contemporary play space which has been designed to accommodate huge numbers of children at any time.CREATING A DESTINATION PLAYGROUNDA clear landmark, the play space provides the ideal break out spot for families and children, with plenty of seating for adults looking for a rest stop and a huge climbing combination comprising a Timber wood Tangle and Climbing Structure to challenge children to clamber from one end to the other. Equipment has been selected to be able take many children at once, and it also offers levels of graduated risk, so that children can find their own boundaries. This is social play at its finest, as children have to be aware of all other users and negotiate their way along the equipment alongside other users.GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONSTo add more character to the site, the play space features a flock of wooden sheep, some standing and some resting. The play area was opened as part of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 2012 and was master planned by world renowned Architects, West 8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project including the whole team in charge of the South Bank community. It’s exciting to have created a project in such a popular and renowned area of London, now easily recognised as one of our most prominent play areas.If you want to find out more about how we can help you with your play space from design to supply and install email info@timberplay.com

RICHTER SPIELGERÄTE EQUIPMENTA landmark project for Timberplay, we have recently installed playground equipment in one of the newest developments in Qatar. Located North of Doha, Lusail City is a bold and ambitious development of epic proportions – a new world-leading city which boasts exemplary facilities across all areas; residential, retail and tourism. With state of the art housing to accommodate 200,000 residents across 38 square kilometres, the new city takes in spectacular views and breath-taking buildings– creating a City of undeniable prestige.PROVIDING A RANGE OF PLAY FOR BEST PLAY VALUETimberplay were delighted to work with Nakheel Landscapes to create a play area in one of the city’s premier recreation spots, Lusail Marina Promenade. Set within white sands and palm trees, working with Timberplay and utilising playground equipment from Richter Spielgeräte ensured the play provision lived up to its iconic setting. Products from Richter’s extensive range were selected to offer a wide appeal, with fun challenging activities for children of all ages. See-saws, jumping discs and the bouncing flower, in the playground, present high energy fun. The Climbing Structure offers a more challenging activity that is perfect for older children to enjoy. A giraffe swing set, sand snake and swinging horses all add character to the space. Various shelters and seating areas provide, much needed, shade and rest spots for visitors.If you are looking for playground equipment in Qatar and want more information on what we can offer please contact us hereACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project including Nakheel Landscapes for collaborating with us on the design for this play space, and to Richter Spielgeräte for always manufacturing world-leading quality equipment.

Timberplay delivered a significant play development for the new retail centre, the Mall of Arabia in Cairo, by Egypt.BACKGROUND This investment was designed to offer exceptional play experiences, highlighting the new shopping centre as a top end retail destination. This project was carefully designed with wooden materials and a good knowledge of sun patterns to ensure it stayed cool enough to play on. There is plenty of sheltered seating areas close by too.MAKING SHOPPING MALLS MORE FAMILY ACCESSIBLE Working in close collaboration with Mall of Arabia and Richter Spielgeräte, Timberplay were able to adapt their playground equipment in order to take into account the specific demands of the climate and the prevailing play culture. The developers were looking to create a stand out play area and used a combination of huge interconnecting pyramid towers and a climbing structure, all selected to offer challenging play for older children. Alongside this they also installed small play huts and a dwarf hill, alongside other smaller elements all ideal for younger children. FACING CHALLENGING TEMPERATURES Timberplay provided design, supply and install of all the playground equipment, which is also seeks to provide graduated risk, so can present new challenges for children as they grow and revisit the play space and shopping centre over the years. We offer an array of playground equipment in Egypt, if want to find out more about how we can help you with your playspace from design to supply and install contact info@timberplay.com

In 2022, the picturesque town of Montpellier in Ireland welcomed a new Timberplay playground, bringing natural play opportunities to the community with a design that resonates with the area’s scenic beauty.Nestled within Ireland’s lush landscapes, the playground seamlessly combines the charm of timber structures with Timberplay’s signature focus on play value, creating an inviting and inclusive space for children of all ages to explore.DURABLE PLAY EQUIPMENTCrafted from mountain larch sourced from the Bavarian Alps, the playground structures are built to withstand the elements, providing durability that ensures the space remains a long-lasting asset for Montpellier. This natural wood choice not only contributes to the playground’s sustainability but also enhances its aesthetic appeal, harmonising with the local surroundings and offering a warm, earthy play environment. Timberplay’s design prioritises play value, catering to a wide range of ages and abilities to encourage interaction, imagination, and adventure.COMMUNITY ADDITIONFrom climbing frames and balance elements to social spaces, the playground provides a holistic experience, helping children to develop their physical and social skills in a safe, natural setting. For Montpellier, the Timberplay playground signifies more than just an addition to the community; it stands as a dedicated space for children to grow, play, and connect with nature. As a natural timber playground, it serves as a testament to the importance of thoughtful design, sustainability, and inclusivity, inspiring communities and visitor attractions alike with a beautiful, functional play space built to endure.

The National Museum situated in Doha, on the East coast of Qatar, is an extraordinary cultural centre that showcases Qatar's rich history and natural heritage through its diverse exhibits. BACKGROUNDVisitors to the museum are treated to an immersive experience, where they can explore the rich culture and heritage of Qatar from ancient times to the present day. Apart from the historical and natural history exhibits, the museum also boasts a state-of-the-art playground that is designed to offer visitors an educational opportunity focused on Qatar's sustainability efforts.EDUCATIONAL PLAY: TEACHING SUSTAINABILITYThis playground is a unique and innovative way to educate visitors, especially children, about the importance of sustainable living and the steps Qatar is taking towards achieving it. The play design consists of fifteen distinct pods, each dedicated to educating users about various aspects of sustainability such as renewable energy, recycling polymers, and liquefaction. Interactive and entertaining features are integrated within each pod, including levers to pull, tubes to rotate, widgets to spin, ropes to climb, and tunnels to crawl through. These elements are designed to impart knowledge about sustainable practices implemented in Qatar.EXTENSIVE WATER PLAY DESIGNThe site also features several water play areas, including a Crank Handle Pump beside a Nautilus Snail, which collects water pumped out and can be rotated to channel water towards the centre of the structure. Other water play areas include an outdoor Mushroom Pump, two Lock Gates, and Water Switches that enable children to control the direction and flow of water. To encourage social interaction and enhance learning, four conference speakers are strategically placed throughout the play area, demonstrating how sound can travel in various ways. There are various playful exit points from the pods including Fireman poles and Ladders, challenging children to test their physical strength as they exit.

Part of a wider ‘Heart of the city’ movement to transform Sheffield’s city centre into a more sociable area to live with more attractive outdoor spaces, the newest phase includes a green park that closely aligns with the city’s environmental ambitions.The site was previously utilised by the South Yorkshire Fire Service and gets its name from the first chief fire officer - John Charles ‘Pound’. The play area was created with the consultation of residents within the city, allowing them to have their input on the theme the playground should entail. Therefore, Pounds Park has been installed with a wide range of equipment that has been selected to suit children of all ages and abilities, including immersive waterplay features.A PLAY SPACE IN OUR HOME TOWN OF SHEFFIELDThe main attraction and focal point within the playground consists of two pyramid towers connected by a net tunnel bridge between them, allowing for ease of access. The smaller of the two towers is equipped with a climbing wall as well as a climbing net for children to access the structure. Both structures have slides, with the taller pyramids being a lot larger. Surrounding equipment includes a climbing structure to test children’s physical capabilities, as well as a see-saw and collision disc which allows for collaborative play. On the opposite end of the playground, sand play is a key feature, with sand tippers and turning crane’s prompting children to immerse themselves with the sand play. Furthermore, a sand play platform for wheelchair users has been added that is equipped with construction elements that mimic work processes from the adult world.INCORPORATING CITY HISTORY AND GREY TO GREEN SCHEME INTO DESIGNThe waterplay flows naturally from the top of the play area all the way to the bottom, going past all the other play equipment. The water flow begins with a playground pump allowing children to use a lever to generate water. The water then flows downstream under the connected pyramids with a number of interactive play features for the children to enjoy that allow them to alter the flow of the stream. The water eventually flows to a bowl-shaped area equipped with a ball valve, which when pulled, will act as a plug, swallowing up all the water!ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe entire Pounds Park project won Best Public Place at The Pineapple Awards 2024. We are super proud at result of the initiative and want to extend our congratulations to everyone involved including: Sheffield City Council, Get Building Fund, Planit, Henry Boot Construction, Whittam Cox Architects, Dudley Engineers, Riveline and Julian Stocks.

As part of the new housing development by Urban & Civic, Priors Hall Park Village Green has unveiled a Timberplay playground, marking the first leisure-focused space in Phase 2 of this expanding community.Created to be a focal point for community life, this playground invites children to explore, socialise, and play freely in a secure outdoor setting, promoting more outdoor activity—a priority in an age where indoor screens have become the norm.CREATING A PLAY SPACE INCLUSIVE TO EVERYONEThe playground incorporates a range of equipment thoughtfully designed with inclusivity and accessibility at its heart. Among the engaging features are wheelchair-friendly play apparatus, table tennis, a ball labyrinth (a dynamic moving table game aimed at guiding a ball into the goal), and tic-tac-toe stations. Additionally, climbing structures, slides, swings, and roundabouts add a wealth of variety and challenge for children of all ages. Surrounding the play space, designated seating areas offer parents and carers a comfortable spot to supervise and connect.INCLUDING AESTHETIC AND DURABLE MATERIALSConstructed predominantly from robust mountain larch timber, Timberplay’s hallmark material, the playground equipment showcases a commitment to sustainable and durable design. This selection not only aligns with Timberplay’s ethos but also enhances the natural aesthetic of the Village Green, integrating beautifully with the surroundings. Beyond just play, this project is about fostering community interaction, providing a lively, safe, and inviting environment where children and families can gather and grow together. The Village Green playground serves as a model for the essential role leisure spaces play in housing developments, highlighting the importance of material quality, inclusive play value, and community cohesion.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project, especially Urban and Civic, for their enthusiastic support and unwavering confidence in the finished result. We are so pleased that this project is in the ground and can now be used by the public. It is part of a network of Timberplay play areas all around the Priors Hall Park area, creating a seamless aesthetic throughout the entire development.

Having previously worked in collaboration with Desert Ink, one of Dubai’s biggest Landscape Architecture firms, we were introduced to the client at the Royal Guildford School to offer specialist play design services for the new school campus in Dubai.A truly inspiring project which includes natural play opportunities throughout the outside spaces.Opened in 2021, Royal Guildford School Dubai has been built to inspirit the Royal Guildford School, one of the most respected schools in the UK, which has excelled for over 500 years. The client wished to replicate the same high standards at RGS in Dubai and, in order to do this, focused their efforts on creating a campus that is far more than just classrooms. Their drive was to create a school that inspired the future through high-quality educational design and sustainability.PLAY IMPROVES RISK-ASSESSMENT ABILITIESDirectly working with the client, main contractor, Desert Leisure, and collaborating with the Desert Ink Landscape team, Timberplay designed, supplied and installed five different play areas to target different school years, up to the age of 11. Each site is designed with risk and challenge in mind to ensure there are development opportunities as the children grow older and become more confident with play and their physical ability. The Nursery area includes several pieces for younger children to explore, such as playhouses and tunnels; accompanying these are creative play elements such as drawing boards and a drawing table.SOCIAL ENCOURAGEMENTThe Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 areas begin to challenge children further physically with tower and hut combinations, with bridges, rope nets, slides and climbing walls offering exploratory chances for students to socially challenge themselves alongside their peers. Alongside the physical play, these spaces also introduce children to sensory experiences, allowing students to play with sound through wind pipes and conferences, and sight through distorting mirrors. Water play spaces, including Playground Pumps and channels, are provided for all areas, creating playful places for children to learn about water flow. Finally, the Junior area incorporates much more significant structures, including Climbing Structure 07 and a Castle Tower with a large tunnel slide for children to test their limits.SAFETY IMPORTANCE WITHIN INSTALLATIONOn-site, Timberplay worked with the main contractor, Desert Leisure, to provide specialist installation support over a month-long period. This included the team helping the contractor set out the site, prepare and install foundations and install the playground equipment. The Timberplay installation team provided invaluable experience in European Safety standards EN1166/ EN1167 to the contractor to ensure that the play areas were compliant.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSA testament to the great work of Desert Ink’s team, the landscape throughout the school allows for playful routes and natural play experiences, from the wealth of trees to the use of sand as a safety surfacing element for children to explore.

Silver Sands Resort, a prestigious private members' club in Jeddah, recognised this when they developed their latest offering: a nature-inspired playground designed to enhance not only the experience of younger guests but also to elevate the resort's exclusive appeal.In today’s hospitality sector, the demand for unique, memorable experiences is paramount. As families increasingly seek destinations that cater to both relaxation and entertainment, a well-designed playground offers a critical competitive advantage. Silver Sands, known for its luxurious setting, has elevated this concept by introducing a play space that is not only visually distinctive but also thoughtfully crafted to align with the resort’s commitment to delivering family-friendly luxury. In the competitive landscape of hospitality, standing out is key—and this playground accomplishes that by blending innovation with play value for children.THE ROLE OF PLAY VALUE IN CREATING EXCEPTIONAL GUEST EXPERIENCESPlaygrounds in the hospitality industry cannot simply be an afterthought; they need to offer true "play value," a concept that goes beyond just keeping children busy. A playground rich in play value provides a diverse range of activities that promote sensory, imaginative, social, and physical development. This depth of engagement is crucial for resorts aiming to attract discerning families looking for more than the average experience.At Silver Sands Resort, Timberplay’s design achieves just that. The playground offers a variety of play opportunities that appeal to children of all ages and abilities. From the thrilling dynamic movement of the rotating disc and seesaw to the immersive sand and water play areas, every element serves a dual purpose: to entertain and to educate. These features not only keep children engaged for longer but also align with the resort’s reputation for excellence, ensuring that the playground is far more than just a place for kids to run around—it’s a space for exploration, creativity, and growth.SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR RESORT PLAYGROUNDSIn the a very fast-growing climate, resorts must differentiate themselves with unique, high-quality offerings. The Silver Sands playground sets a new standard, both in design and in the quality of experience it offers. Nature-based materials, such as sustainably sourced timber, create an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious space, perfectly aligned with modern luxury values. For developers and landscape architects, this demonstrates a thoughtful approach to both design and sustainability, key factors in creating standout spaces in the region. The playground’s inclusion of carefully chosen play features, such as climbing structures and a water play area, encourages sensory and imaginative play—crucial for a child’s cognitive and emotional development. These features ensure the playground stands out as a unique selling point for the resort, providing a reason for families to return again and again. For developers and architects, this speaks to the long-term value that a well-conceived play space brings to a hospitality project. FOSTERING SOCIAL INTERACTION IN A CULTURALLY RELEVANT CONTEXTFamily is central, and spaces that encourage social interaction among children are particularly important. The Silver Sands playground has been designed to facilitate this interaction. Its open layout, combined with shared play elements, fosters group play, helping children build confidence, develop social skills, and create lasting friendships in a safe, engaging environment. This emphasis on social play benefits the entire family, providing parents with peace of mind that their children are enjoying a fulfilling, enriching experience.The Silver Sands Resort playground successfully integrates the importance of family by creating a communal, inclusive space that feels luxurious, while also catering to the values and needs of the clientele. WHY PLAY VALUE DRIVES COMMERCIAL SUCCESS IN HOSPITALITYIncorporating a playground with high play value into a luxury resort like Silver Sands is not merely about occupying children; it enhances the overall guest experience and drives long-term commercial success. For parents, the presence of a playground that genuinely engages their children in stimulating, creative play can be the deciding factor in choosing a destination. A well-designed play space not only increases dwell time but also encourages repeat visits, a crucial aspect of maintaining a loyal clientele in the competitive Middle Eastern hospitality market.The playground at Silver Sands goes beyond the ordinary, offering experiences that invite children to take risks, explore their creativity, and engage their senses. This level of engagement elevates the resort’s offering, ensuring it remains a top choice for families looking for the best in hospitality. A LASTING LEGACY OF INNOVATIONSilver Sands Resort has not only created a playground; they have set a benchmark for luxury family experiences within the hospitality sector. The design reflects the resort's commitment to thoughtful, well-crafted spaces that enrich the guest experience. Play spaces in luxury hospitality are no longer a secondary feature— they are integral to creating memorable, standout destinations. At Silver Sands, this vision is brought to life in a way that will leave a lasting impact on guests and on the wider industry. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSA huge thank you goes to all those involved in this project, including award-winning landscape architects, Cracknell, and resort owner and architecture professional, Amy Lamb. This project would not have been possible without the help of these incredible minds!

Under the management of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, Standalone Farm serves as a gateway destination for city dwellers seeking access to the countryside. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape, with Pix Brook and the Garden City Greenway running through the site, Standalone Farm is committed to providing a natural and enriching experience for visitors, particularly families. Standalone Farm delivers educational, social, play and leisure opportunities for children, young people and families from Letchworth and surrounding areas, with a strong focus on environmental and financial sustainability.Due to their proven experience in delivering exceptional natural play spaces, Timberplay secured the work through the LGCHF tender process and worked with Standalone to create a multi-stage play strategy. The first stage was the creation of an impressive adventure play area, with tower combo, hexagonal swing and cradle nest swing, together with a characterful duck family, horses and tractor. Jumping discs and a wide slide provide great social and exciting play, and a hammock provides the perfect spot for gentle rocking. More recently they have installed an engaging Water Play area. Set into stone cobbles, the aesthetically pleasing site incorporates a number of channels, pumps and features, for example rubberised dam gates. The design includes the hardwearing cobbles, but also loose pebbles and stones, so children can manipulate the landscape as they wish.Adding character to the setting, a spinning Wader Bird fits seamlessly within the environment. To ensure comfort during hot summer days, two sail shades have been installed, allowing children to enjoy their play in shade and comfort.The design of the water play area was influenced in part as a result of a consultation weekend, where local residents were invited onto the site to give feedback on what they were looking for, with the finished installation reflecting the input received. Farm Manager Jason Valentine reflects on the success of the new play areas:-"The collaboration with Timberplay has allowed us to create play spaces that not only blend seamlessly with the natural landscape but also provide enriching experiences for our visitors. The feedback we've received from both residents and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming our commitment to creating inclusive and engaging play environments for all.Through their collaboration with Timberplay and a commitment to community engagement, Standalone Farm has successfully enhanced its offering, providing families with memorable experiences that celebrate the beauty of the countryside while fostering a deep connection with nature.

Swansea’s Coastal Park development has been a huge success for the community at Copr Bay and a much-needed addition, with the playground being the first park in Swansea city centre since the Victorian era.BACKGROUND Based on top of a new car park, the play area has a wide range of equipment that appeals to children of all ages and abilities. Along with the sleek new playground area, restaurants and cafés have also been opened in the development, making this the perfect place for families to relax and explore. Although located on top of a car park, the area around the equipment has been designed to have a natural feel, including a variety of trees and shrubbery paired with wooden benches that match the equipment. CREATING A DESTINATION PLAYGROUND Within the play area, a variety of equipment has been installed that can test children’s physical abilities as well as offering sensory learning experiences. All the Equipment has specially adapted foundations bespoke to the podium detailing, proving that anything is possible when it comes to building playgrounds on podiums. To develop physical capabilities, a Small Climbing Stack has been developed next to a Climbing Structure which children are eager to explore and play games around. Within the same space, a Table Tennis Table has been incorporated to encourage further physical play, as well as fostering competitiveness involved in sporting activities. GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS Sensory equipment is present in many different areas of the park, which are great for the mental development of children. Sound Cushions allow for different tones to be made when hopping between them, allowing children to create their own tune based on different hopping sequences! Speaking and Listening Trumpets allow for communication to be held between the children, which is great for social development. Jumping Discs and a Double SeeSaw give the little ones a perfect chance to get involved in the fun while developing their stimulus with rocking and jumping motions. A Water Play area completes the playground, creating immersive ways for children and adults to experience the flow of water.The water runs downstream into Sickle Gates and River Forks, which act as temporary dams, allowing for children to let the water build up and then release it in a flood-like motion! Water then builds up at the bottom where the Ball Valve sits, which, when pulled, will act as a plug, emptying all the built-up water!

Whitby Holiday Park, located atop the cliffs overlooking the North Sea and within walking distance of Whitby’s iconic Abbey, sought to create a play area that would enhance its appeal to families and differentiate it from other local holiday parks.In 2016, Timberplay delivered a thoughtfully designed playground, focusing on durability and distinctive play experiences for young visitors. With a £90,000 budget, the playground includes a variety of engaging equipment, from the Octagonal Tower for adventurous climbs to the Whirlwind and a play marina featuring a Sailing Boat and playhouses.PLAY VALUE AND FAMILY DYNAMIChe boat, robust enough to withstand the cliff-top conditions, adds a seaside touch that complements the setting, while water and sand play areas encourage sensory exploration and creativity. Constructed primarily from mountain larch, the playground is built to withstand Whitby’s challenging coastal weather. Normanhurst Enterprises, the management group behind the park, emphasised the importance of play value, recognising that a happy child enriches the experience for the entire family.SETTING INDUSTRY STANDARDS“The feedback has been exceptional,” shared a director from Normanhurst, “and we’re thrilled to have worked with Timberplay to create a play space that not only enhances our park but also sets a new standard within the industry.” This playground exemplifies how quality design and unique elements can elevate family destinations, positioning Whitby Holiday Park as a standout attraction built to endure.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project especially Normanhurst Enterprises, management of Whitby Holiday Park, for the unwavering support, collaboration and confidence on this project. It’s exciting to work with like-minded people who value the importance of play for child development.

William’s Den sought to create an attraction that provided the very best naturally inspired play opportunities, from the UK’s largest timber indoor play areas with a difference, to sand and water sites, playful landscaping, challenging outdoor equipment, and den building.BACKGROUNDTimberplay worked with William’s Den to create outdoor play which embraced landscaping, delivering a space which appeals to children across a wide age range. The inclusion of sand and water pumps and channels boosts the play value within the site significantly. Older children have the challenge of the Climbing Structure and the thrill of the cableway. Toddlers can embrace the role play within the Platform House or fly as high as they dare in the Cradle Swing.INCORPORATING THE LANDSCAPE INTO THE FINAL DESIGNWhat makes William’s Den really stand out is the way they have embraced the landscape, with mounds, embankments, a natural amphitheatre, climbing boulder stack, log bridges and tunnels, all combining to deliver an imaginative play environment. This is exploited further with the addition of den building materials – to inspire children to create their own woodland hideaway. The sand and water area is a key play element as it encourages great social play between children across a very wide age range.ENCOURAGING SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATIONThe playground pump is the water source and the water flows into a pebble playscape, through dam wedges and water switches, encouraging children to work together to get the water to move through the system, damming it and diverting as they choose before the water exits the stream into the sand. The water alongside the sand means that children can become little scientists, experimenting with the effect of the two components together. This combination proves fascinating for children, digging out channels, creating pools, sandcastles, walls and structures. The platform house adds another dimension as children work together to use the sand crane to transport sand to the top of the platform before sending it back down the chute.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHuge thanks goes to all those involved in this project including the whole team at William’s Den. This was an exciting project, that stands out due to its unusual incorporation of the surrounding landscape. Timberplay strongly believe in the natural urge to play, originating from a creative mindset when outdoors so its thrilling to be part of developing this innate joy for the modern day.