Mabe’s Best Ever Community Transformation

Mabe’s dedicated committee of local residents knew their well-loved park had reached the end of its life. With the school right next door and the site sitting within the grounds of the community hall, the park was suffering from low play value and occasional misuse.

The community had a clear but diverse vision. During our community open day, we navigated a range of requests: children wanted high-energy fun, while some residents hoped for a natural aesthetic with rocks and landscaping.

The Wish List:

1. Create an inclusive play area with activities for all ages, including adults.

2. Turn the park into a destination for community events.

3. Ensure low maintenance while giving a nod to the natural environment.

The heart of this project was constant communication. We tweaked designs and quotes until the committee secured the funding for a fully-surfaced area. Because Mabe is so close to the coast, we settled on a hybrid theme: Maritime meets Wildlife. ### The Solution: A Zoned Approach to Play

By using high-quality Wetpour Surfacing, we were able to turn the ground itself into a play feature, using graphics to tell a story of land and sea.

1. The Toddler Zone:

Designed for the youngest visitors, this area features a small play boat, a bridge, and stepping logs. We even used blue wetpour to create a rubber river complete with lily leaves, allowing for safe, imaginative crossing.

2. The Junior Adventure Area:

For older children needing more physical challenge, we installed a larger boat and a multi-play tower frame. This unit offers endless opportunities to climb, traverse, crawl, and slide. We also included the ever-popular Birds Nest Swing, which allows multiple children to play together, making it both an exhilarating and inclusive choice.

3. The Floor is a Story:

The wetpour graphics are a standout feature here. We added footprints, plants, insects, and sea creatures directly into the floor. While the committee chose bright, wow factor colours, these designs can be toned down for more rural settings.

4. The Multi-Generational Fitness Zone:

We did not just add gym equipment; we designed a workout. After consulting with a Personal Trainer, we developed a circuit that targets the arms, legs, upper body, and core.

• Versatility: We left open floor space so residents can bring their own mats or resistance bands.

• Inclusivity: We added handrails to the step-up platforms to ensure residents who are less steady on their feet can exercise with total confidence.

Mabe now boasts a vibrant, low-maintenance destination that perfectly complements the village hall and school. The park has seen a massive surge in popularity, effectively ending the previous issues with misuse by filling the space with active families.

The greatest feedback we received was from a local child who was overheard saying: This is the best play area… EVER! At Outdoor Play People, that is the only seal of approval that truly matters.

Is your community park in need of a wow factor revamp? Whether you need a seaside theme or a bespoke fitness circuit, we can help you turn your vision into a reality.