How a new indoor playground was designed and built with a kid’s experience at the heart

How a new indoor playground was designed and built with a kid’s experience at the heart

The latest blog from Active Kids Adventure Park in Perth, Scotland explores the latest indoor play build fresh from Greenspan Projects…

With thoughts from our Project Manager, Richard Hollyer, find out more via Active Kids below…

As we complete the finishing touches to our brand-new indoor spaces, have you ever wondered how an immersive, challenging, interactive and, most importantly, fun playscape like our new indoor playground is created?

It’s not as simple as choosing a few focal points, adding a slide here or a climbing frame there. It is hugely considered. There’s so much thought, planning, creativity and expertise that goes into a project like this.

Our team knew that we wanted to create a space that could celebrate the natural world around us and bring the outdoors indoors. We wanted to create a tree-house themed playground that is safe and takes children on a journey of exploration where they can play, use their imaginations, develop independence and, above all else, have so much fun.

To help us create this very special playground, we have been working with an award-winning company called Greenspan Projects. A family run business, Greenspan have been designing and building innovative leisure spaces for half a century. And, they know a thing or two about creating adventure play areas.

“When working on a play concept, at the forefront of our minds is the child’s experience,” explains Richard Hollyer, who managed the Active Kids project from Greenspan Projects. “How can we create an immersive playscape which provokes inspiration and creativity in each child that encounters it? Our goal is to always think about play diversity and creating a sense of endless fun. The design must be safe, varied, inclusive and exciting and we approach every design with the same enthusiasm and curiosity for maximising joy.”

To design our playground, Greenspan put themselves in the shoes of a child and their parent to create a playscape that meets the needs of both. They also understood the importance of supporting a child’s developmental milestones through the play space.

“Creating a freeform, multi-level playscape with a range of challenges and obstacles allows children to explore their limits and build resilience and courage to try new things and gain independence through play,” says Richard.

“Also, the natural, familiar theming and materials create an evocative experience which provides children with opportunities for imaginative role play and storytelling. In these kinds of considered environments, children can practice collaboration, teamwork, independent play and coordination in a safe, secure space, which is crucial to their development. There are options for children of all ages, which allows them to return again and again to try a new challenge as they grow and become more confident.”

The playground takes children on an adventure through the woods where they can climb to the treetops clambering through branches and nets. For older kids, there’s lots of pathways to explore and younger children can discover the joy of climbing and crawling through a space a bit like a bug hotel with different insects and woodland creatures.

When designing the playground, Greenspan have thought of everything. Every last detail is considered with playability always in mind, so kids can have the best experience possible.

“Once the child steps onto any part of the structure, the journey through the play allows for climbing through tunnels, crawling, sliding, balancing, traversing rope bridges, and even leaping across giant foam rollers! There’s also an interactive projected floor for an even more immersive experience.

“If they need a break from play, or fancy an imaginary tea party mid-way, there’s even a miniature table and chairs for this. Climbing nets also allow for clambering across the structure this way and that, so no experience is ever the same.”

What Richard and the team at Greenspan have created is literally child’s play. We can’t wait for you all to see it!

Stay tuned for more details and visit the Active Kids Adventure Park website for more details on how to book!

Latest Project

Putt Nation

Greenspan Projects were delighted to engage with Putt Nation on the full design and build of two exciting 9-hole tech-infused mini golf courses for their venue.

In historic Buford-a thriving place to work, live and play in Atlanta, Georgia-  Putt Nation is the newest family attraction to burst onto the scene. The brand saw a gap in the market to break the traditional “putt putt golf” paradigm… bringing lights, lasers, screens and plenty of digital fun to the venue for a totally immersive experience!

From the initial design phase, it was clear that a unique and exciting concept was key. It was about taking the stigma surrounding “lack lustre” conventional mini golf and totally flipping it on its’ head… creating the next generation of mini golf and “The Putt Nation Experience” against a backdrop of delicious food and beverages.

Ensuring there is fun for all the family with playability to suit all ages, the experience begins as visitors step into the venue, where the Putt Nation crew ensure a seamless entry system for digital scoring. Players provide their names, receive their ball, putters and it’s all systems go to the first hole!

Each hole is totally unique. They vary in playability – with challenges relating to each theme at every stop. From skimming the ball through a giant lighthouse to putting across popping popcorn cups (featuring huge lifelike popcorn kernels), a new adventure awaits at every turn! Adorned by giant screens to match the theming of the hole, there is even a giant foosball game, beer pong, a house of cards scattered with giant dice, and a colourful Ferris wheel.

There are multiple ways to enjoy Putt Nation’s offering – whether you are aged three or 83! Designed as a place to enjoy with up to six guests, The Pub Course and The Circus Course can be booked separately… or as double games. There is even an option for larger groups… from 7-18 visitors! There are also bookings available for birthday parties, corporate events, and bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Check out the project gallery below and visit the Putt Nation website for more details on how to book your next adventure!

Want to find out more about Greenspan’s similar projects? Click here for all of the latest case studies!

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