The space is designed to appeal to all ages and abilities, with clearly defined areas for traditional play equipment, including a wide slide and tyre-swing, as well as specific areas for toddlers and juniors.
Landscape architects Whitelaw Turkington, part of the Grontmij group, have also used natural features like boulders, timber posts and earth mounding to create spaces that are not only interesting and fun, but combine an exciting element of risk – increasingly recognised as an essential component of play and learning – with a safe environment which can be easily monitored by parents and guardians. Natural play is characterised by diversity and irregularity: children are free to interact creatively with the playable landscape.
A rich variety of tree species and planting provides seasonal colour and variety as well as natural shade and shelter from the elements. Plants have been chosen to offer a range of sensory experiences through textures and smells.
Gavin Fancote, project manager at Whitelaw Turkington, said “it’s all about the balance and integration of traditional and natural play where imaginations can run free, rather than being restricted by equipment which can be prescriptive. We also used historical references to the old Metropolitan Cattle Market to embed the scheme in its local context”.
The Active Gardens are the latest phase of the continuing refurbishment of the park, as part of the complete redevelopment of the adjacent Market Estate, now known as Parkside Place, by Southern Housing Group.
Southern Housing Group’s Reinvestment Director, Stephen Ross, said: “Southern Housing Group and its partners are delighted to have created this new extensive play area to benefit current and future generations.”
Whitelaw Turkington’s proposals will create an appropriate setting for the listed market clock tower – a local landmark – and a new boulevard approach from the main road. Developed with the collaboration of Islington Greenspace, the enhancements are set to revitalise the park, increase visitor numbers, improve community safety and ensure Caledonian Park continues to serve local people for years to come.
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CONTACT FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Pamela Weeks, Head of Marketing and Communications
Grontmij
t. +44 113 262 0000
e.
pamela.weeks@grontmij.co.uk
www.wtlandscape.com
NOTES TO THE EDITORS
Whitelaw Turkington, part of Grontmij, is one of the UK’s leading firms of landscape architects and urban designers, creating public realm environments which are a synthesis of art, environment and engineering and attracting the most talented people who are passionate about place making and care about people.
Established in 1991, Whitelaw Turkington is now part of the Grontmij group – Europe’s fourth largest engineering and environmental consultancy. The company will begin to trade under the Grontmij name from early 2011.
The practice employs more than 50 people in offices in London, Leeds and Glasgow. Whitelaw Turkington specialises in award-winning landscape master planning, environmental impact assessment and scheme design for major projects in commercial and residential development, education, healthcare and leisure. Community participation and multi-disciplinary collaboration are at the heart of the practice.