The Vision
Ickford Village was expanding through two new housing developments. As a result, Ickford Parish Council saw the opportunity to redevelop the playing fields for this Ickford play area. The goal was to better serve the growing community. The council wanted a genuine multi-use space, not just a playground. In addition, it needed to combine play, fitness and sports facilities. This would encourage outdoor activity across every age group and ability.
Over 18 months of planning, the council worked closely with Caloo and the County Council to bring this vision to life.
Key objectives for this Ickford play area included:
- First, serving a growing community following two new housing developments.
- Also encouraging outdoor activity for all age groups and abilities.
- In addition, replacing outdated equipment across the playing fields.
- Finally, combining play, fitness and sports facilities in one redevelopment.
The Solution
First, Caloo replaced the old, outdated equipment across the site with new play, fitness and sports facilities. The play offer centres on four aluminium multiplay units, including a Wheelchair Accessible Whirl and a Playhouse. In addition, there are two springers and three timber swings. Alongside this, a timber adventure trail and eight outdoor fitness stations run along the new accessible track. Finally, the old tarmac area, zip wire and access track were all refreshed with new surfacing to match. SUDS Bond permeable paving now runs along the whole track for wheelchair users.
Key installations included:
- First, a Wheelchair Accessible Whirl multiplay unit (2 to 14 years)
- Baby Multiplay Unit (1 to 6 years)
- Playhouse (2 to 10 years)
- Dynamic multiplay unit (4 to 14 years)
- Squirrel Springer and Spring Horse (1 to 6 years each)
- Timber swings: cradle seats, flat and group seats, and an inclusive swing
- Timber adventure trail: sloping balance walk, suspension bridge, log rope traverse, rope walk and stepping logs
- Eight outdoor fitness stations: leg push, chin ups, chest press, cross rider, squat machine, exercise bars, shoulder press and rower
- Refurbished tarmac sports area, with a new surface and sports markings
- Upgraded zip wire, with a wetpour resurface for enhanced safety and usability
- Finally, an all-weather accessible track using SUDS Bond permeable paving, supporting jogging, cycling and wheelchair users, linking every playing field access gate
Key Considerations
Heavy rain through the build meant working around difficult ground conditions to finish on time. The accessible track also had to be routed carefully, so it wouldn’t interfere with the neighbouring school. Even so, it still needed to reach every playing field access gate for wheelchair users.
The Impact
Overall, this Ickford play area has been a resounding success, creating a thriving recreational hub for the entire community. The new accessible track and fitness stations have brought a wider mix of residents onto the site. As a result, it’s not just families with young children anymore. Instead, the site now encourages genuine all-ages exercise alongside play. As one resident put it, “We now have an educational and physical play and exercise facility being enjoyed by all abilities, from newborns to the most senior residents. It’s great to see the new equipment bringing so many people in the village together.”
This Ickford play area now has enhanced play and fitness facilities. As a result, it will serve residents of all ages for years to come.
Project outcomes included:
- A thriving recreational hub enjoyed by all abilities, from newborns to senior residents.
- New play, fitness and sports facilities replacing outdated equipment.
- An accessible track and surfacing supporting wheelchair users throughout.
- Outdoor fitness stations encouraging community exercise alongside play.
“Caloo have been an excellent partner for our playground upgrade project, from initial discussions through to installation and post-implementation follow-up. They were helpful from the outset, quick to interpret our objectives, and diligent in ensuring the final design met our needs within budget. Thanks, Caloo!”Councillor, Ickford Parish Council