Valence Park: A True Community Project

THE STORY

Passionate that her community deserved better, local mum and teacher, Lisa Adams, made it her mission to transform the dilapidated playground and sports court at Valence Park in Dagenham.

Working with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council (LBBDC), London Sport and Community Resources (a charity based in Dagenham), Lisa raised a total of £269,589 through grants from The London Marathon Charitable Trust, Veolia, Sport England, LBBDC and crowdfunding to finance the new equipment and overall renovation.

Playinnovation™ – renowned for being one of the most exciting global providers of outdoor play and sports equipment, creating innovative sport and play areas for kids and adults of all ages and abilities – was then appointed to undertake the complete re-design of Valence Park.

THE CHALLENGE

The brief for the re-design of Valence Park was to be colourful, inspiring and, most importantly, family inclusive.

The design process involved the whole community, with visits made to local schools, toddler groups, youth clubs and the over 60’s group. A fun day was held in the park to receive wider feedback on the initial plans. Playinnovation then produced a final design which successfully embodied the views of the entire community.

THE OUTCOME

Now unrecognisable from its former self, the revamped Valence Park – opened in March 2019 – features colourful, multi-play units, swings for all ages and abilities, an inclusive roundabout, toddler zones for role play, a TGOGC smart gym, and a Playinnovation Hype Court, including colourful, see-through backboards and hoops designed to create a basketball court with the wow factor.

There’s also several educational, family-inclusive, target-based games, including Crossbar King, Goal Master and Street Pool. The area is completed by a 'Wallball' and an additional, funky basketball post.

Lisa said: "Playinnovation shared my passion to see things transformed and were the perfect partners for this project. They re-designed the park with amazing attention to detail and the community absolutely love it - every day it's full to bursting!"

Marco Boi, Founder and MD of Playinnovation, described being involved in this community-led and highly rewarding project: "The process enabled us to design and install one of the most innovative and popular family-inclusive sport and play areas in the country. Our whole team is immensely proud to have been involved in this project."