Frederick Playground is situated in Southwark, a few minutes from Kennington station and round the corner from Walworth Gardens. Formerly an adventure playground with high timber fences and limited access points, the revitalised play space has been opened up to the wider community with a dynamic orange rail softly defining its boundary with many more places to gain access – the space aims to connect two adjacent communities which were previously divided.

The play space is aimed at older kids whilst providing enough variety to attract a wide range of visitors. There are accessible features such as the basket swing & the wheelchair accessible trampoline. Research from Make Space for Girls inspired the design as we created several different zones for multiple groups to occupy simultaneously whilst providing multiple routes in, out and around the play space. In stark comparison to the previous high fenced playground, we ensured clear sight lines through the entire space and allowed passive surveillance from the neighbouring estate and housing to create a safe welcoming environment.

Orange edged planting beds, boundary rails and accented colour on the play features create a cohesive feel. Whilst new trees, planting, boulders, fallen logs and timber play features supplement the graphical style with softer natural features - they offer places to sit or act as stepping features as part of a wider play route. Predominantly, the play space is surfaced in tiger mulch which gives a woodland feel.