Brook Green Playground is a hugely popular play facility in the centre of Hammersmith. The playground lies in the centre of the Brook Green open space and is in close proximity to a number of primary schools. Arkwood were approached by the Friends of Brook Green to develop a new design for the playground, which was predominantly a tarmac area with tired play equipment.
Client and Contract Period
Friends of Brook Green/Hammersmith and Fulham Council
March 2011 to September 2012 and July to November 2019
Project Objectives
The Friends of brook Green were looking for a contemporary playground that would provide ‘natural play’ facilities but that would be able to withstand the pressures of considerable (and increasing) local use. Based on discussions with the Friends and local residents, we selected a variety of materials including sand, gravel, artificial turf, rock and timber to refresh the space. The new playground offers a series of play offers for children from 2 to 11 years of age. We were invited back to the site in 2019 and found that it was as popular as ever and had withstood the challenges of high levels of use extremely well.
Issues Challenges and Outcomes
The site is crossed by a number of significant services (principally major Thames Water plant) and the design had to accommodate easements for these while sustaining interest and excitement. We worked closely with a number of schools to design a series of bespoke play objects that are distinctive features of the site.
Services
- Sketch and technical design
- Contract administration
- Consultation and engagement
