Play & Activity
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Having a Proludic Whale of a Time at the revitalised Water Adventure Park! The newly revitalised Water Adventure Play Park in Weston-Super-Mare has been transformed into a vibrant, seaside-themed destination that celebrates the town’s coastal charm. Located just off the promenade, the site faced environmental and logistical challenges, including deteriorating timber equipment, poor drainage, and the need to work around underground flood defences. Proludic was selected for its expertise in coastal environments and durable, innovative play solutions. Using robust materials like high-pressure laminate and structural steel - supported by lifetime guarantees - the new park was designed to endure
salty air and high footfall while offering an exciting, inclusive play experience.
while “play on the way” elements like sound panels and balance boards engage older children.
The centrepiece is the impressive 10.42 metre-long J2696 Whale from Proludic’s Aquatica range. This large-scale play structure accommodates up to 70 users and includes 59 play functions such as net climbs, slides, hammocks, and swings. Nearby stands the 6.9-metre-high J47251 Lighthouse, featuring a spiral staircase, fire pole, and panoramic views.
Accessibility is central to the design. The park features wide paths, inclusive swing seats, accessible surfacing, and communication panels for nonverbal users. Strategically placed seating and shade structures allow families to relax while supervising their children.
A dedicated toddler zone features sensory-rich, developmentally supportive play with the J2646-M Odyssey, J2615 Little Boat, and inclusive J2406 WOK Spinner. A sensory pathway with seven tactile surfaces connects themed zones,
Despite the complexity of the site, careful planning ensured a layout that is safe, inclusive, and fun. The result is a dynamic coastal play destination where families of all ages and abilities can explore, play, and truly have a whale of a time - now and for years to come. Proludic
Enquiry 31
Blakedown Landscapes completes renovation of playground Blakedown Landscapes has completed the renovation of Petersham Gate playground in Richmond Park, working on behalf of The Royal Parks to deliver a more inclusive, accessible, and environmentally sensitive play space for visitors.
scramble, standing seesaw, and water play – all constructed from natural materials that reflect the woodland character of the site.
The project was designed by The Royal Parks’ landscape team. The design focuses on creating a welcoming environment for all children, including those with additional needs, while enhancing the site’s relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Following a tender process using The Royal Parks’ Landscape Construction Works Framework, Blakedown was appointed to deliver the works, which also included resurfacing and widening existing paths, and constructing a new access route using a no-dig cellular confinement system to protect tree roots and promote sustainable drainage.
This is the first major upgrade to the playground in over 20 years. The scheme introduces a variety of new play features - including swings, a log tunnel, a log
New timber benches and bespoke cycle stands have been installed to improve the experience for families and carers, while native planting – including hedging,
trees, shrubs, and grasses – supports local biodiversity. Paul Richards, Park Manager of Richmond Park, The Royal Parks charity, said: “We’re delighted to open the new Petersham Playground which has been constructed to an exceptional standard by Blakedown Landscapes. “This new facility will encourage thousands and thousands of children to explore the outdoors, develop new skills, and enjoy the many benefits of play — from boosting mental and physical wellbeing, to building friendships and confidence in a safe, inspiring environment, for many years to come.”
Steve Buckingham, CEO of Blakedown Landscapes, commented: “We are proud to have delivered the renovation of Petersham Gate Playground on behalf of The Royal Parks. “This project reflects what matters most to us: creating high-quality spaces through collaboration, care, and a shared commitment to the landscape. “The sensitivity of the setting called for a considered approach, and we’re pleased to have delivered this project for The Royal Parks to deliver a space that will be enjoyed by families for years to come.” Blakedown Landscapes Enquiry 32
Majority of MPs support increased and protected hours of PE Four-fifths of MPs believe schools should provide every child with at least two hours of physical education (PE) per week, according to new research released by the Youth Sport Trust. This overwhelming support from Parliament comes as organisations including the Youth Sport Trust are highlighting the critical role of PE in addressing the development and wellbeing crises faced by today’s generation of children. As the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review enters its next stage[SC4] , 89% of MPs have expressed their desire for the curriculum to include protected time for PE; a recommendation included within[SC6] the Labour manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election.
The findings come at a critical time when less than half of children and young people are achieving 60 active minutes a day, as recommended by the UK’s Chief Medical Officers. Furthermore, since London hosted the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012, 41,000 PE hours have been lost from schools nationwide (202324), reflecting a societal and systemic trend of deprioritising physical activity. The Youth Sport Trust, alongside other organisations including those representing five of the leading sports[SC11] in England, have called for urgent action with increased access to PE and sport in schools, to ensure every child can access the benefits associated with sport and play.
In addition to the welldocumented benefits of physical activity for physical health (90%), mental wellbeing (87%) and social wellbeing (85[SC12] %), MPs also recognised the impact of sport and play on good life skills (82%), increased confidence (81%), giving a sense of belonging (69%), concentration & learning (54%) and better self-regulation/ behaviour (61%). On Thursday 3 April, the House of Commons debated access to PE and school sport, which offered an opportunity for the Government to hear from MPs across the political spectrum why PE and school sport is so important to young people across the country. MPs involved highlighted best practice in their constituencies, the importance of physical
activity in improving wellbeing, socialising, self-esteem as well as physical health, and called for more sustainable funding for PE and school sport. The debate can be read in full here. Commenting on the findings, Youth Sport Trust CEO Ali Oliver MBE, said: “It is incredibly positive to see support for PE and sport in schools is so strong in Parliament. “Giving every child the opportunity to be active in childhood is crucial for their health and wellbeing, development and socialisation. There is also significant evidence to show increased physical activity impacts positively on student engagement in learning, academic progress and attainment. However, the reality is at present too many children are missing out.
“With the Curriculum and Assessment Review and Spending Review currently in progress, we have a unique opportunity to build on this cross-party consensus and create meaningful change. We need to put physical activity at the heart
of every school day and lift the value of PE and sport in the curriculum helping children to lead healthier, happier, and more successful lives.” Youth Sport Trust Enquiry 33