Transforming Burrell Road: A Community-Centric Play Area Revitalisation

The existing play area was outdated and uninviting, leading to infrequent use. It featured old swing frames and a metal climbing unit with minimal play value. The grass matting safety surfacing had sunk, making the area unusable during the wet winter months.

Surrey Heath Borough Council invested in refurbishing its play spaces to enhance the area and transform it into a community hub.

The council initially met on-site with eibe Play's Play Consultant, Stuart Evans, to discuss the requirements. The location, next to a gym and in the middle of a popular playing field, was regularly used by dog walkers but rarely by children.

eibe Play was thrilled to meet the Council's requirements with their impressive range of products and designed a play area that the community could be proud of.

The play area is designed to be inclusive and accessible year-round and to promote physical and social development for children aged 2 to 14. It includes equipment for all users, including those in wheelchairs, along with quiet areas for relaxation and socialising.

Due to the play area's size, maximising play value was crucial. eibe Play aimed to create a space that children could enjoy throughout their childhood without becoming boring.

An artificial surface was essential, and eibe Play used a wet pour safer surface and bonded mulch to provide a durable, accessible surface for wheelchair and pram users year-round.

We selected play items from our steel (Steelox) and pine (unique) ranges, which are designed to be low maintenance. The play area size was increased to accommodate exciting new features for the community.

The Elbrus Play Unit offers children aged 5-12 years opportunities to climb and develop skills such as eye-hand coordination and upper body strength. It includes features like a fireman’s pole, climbing nets, walls, internal ladders, and a 1.95m high slide.

Additional equipment was included for all ages, such as the Four-Seater Seesaw and Inclusive Roundabout. The minimondo Ivy Play Unit provides children aged 0-5 years with their first experiences of sliding and crawling, along with various play panels and features.

eibe Play was awarded the scheme in December 2024, and after a consultation period, manufacturing began. Installation started in early March 2025, with the play area set to open in spring 2025.