Gallions Park Play Area, Thamesmead has been shortlisted for a 2020 Landscape Institute Award. The project is being recognised in the Excellence in Public Health and Wellbeing category.

Peabody commissioned LUC to create a bespoke play space for residents in Thamesmead, an area with deprivation. Our design focuses on playable spaces within existing landscapes, weaving in a play journey that links areas using a network of paths and secondary routes for children to explore.

We catered for toddlers and juniors by integrating a range of elements, including some high-challenge pieces for older year groups. Birch Grove incorporates a narrow, raised timber walkway through existing meadow grass and birch trees. It incorporates balancing play equipment, a hammock swing, ‘Sky Seats’ and willow ‘portholes’ framed high up within tree canopies.

The Sunken Bowl provides a playful environment for younger children and incorporates small scale play pieces, like balancing, sliding and musical play elements.

A Grass Clearing is based on a more challenging play environment, featuring a bespoke timber climbing structure and large cantilevered tyre swing.

The scheme was designed to be as inclusive as possible, providing accessible play facilities for physically and mentally impaired children. The play area is freely accessible and offers informal play and passive recreation for varying age groups.

We look forward to finding out the results of the Awards later this year.

Learn more about Landscape Design at LUC.