Designing an inclusive play space for a children's hospice

Creating a fully inclusive play space for a children's hospice in Norfolk, for the client East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) was a sensitive yet gratifying project to deliver.

The hospice provides essential care and respite for children with various illnesses, many of which are terminal. The primary goal was to design a fully accessible and inclusive play space tailored to the unique needs of the children they support.

The site, a previously undeveloped and heavily sloped area, presented significant challenges. Precise grading and levelling were required to ensure accessibility and safety.

Proludic’s team was tasked with designing and installing the play equipment. At the same time, a landscape architecture firm developed the overall master plan for the play area and surrounding grounds.

The design incorporated contemporary elements and addressed the changing levels of the site, making sure safety and accessibility were paramount. Inclusive play equipment, tactile and sensory elements, and moving play components were carefully selected to cater to children of all abilities. Sloping pathways with a 1 in 20 gradient were integrated, providing multiple access points and ease of movement throughout the space.

Community involvement played a crucial role in the project’s success. The resident children’s feedback helped ensure the play space met the varying needs of the end-users and their families it was designed to serve. The project received funding from various external sources, including patrons of the hospice and local businesses.

Ultimately, the collaborative efforts resulted in a state-of-the-art, fully inclusive play area that offers joy and respite to children with varying abilities. The project not only fulfilled the client’s vision but also made a positive impact on the community, providing a space where children can safely play and explore.