East Devon District Council has successfully completed a major £1.2 million playground investment programme, delivering ten brand-new play areas across the district in partnership with Proludic during 2025.
Secured through a competitive tender process, the project set out an ambitious brief: to create ten exciting, bespoke play spaces, each with its own identity, while remaining sensitive to the character of their surrounding communities. Proludic’s in-house design team responded with tailored solutions that balance creativity, inclusivity and sustainability across East Devon’s diverse rural and coastal locations.
To minimise disruption to families, the works were carefully phased. Five sites were completed ahead of the summer holidays to ensure continued access to local play, with installations paused during the peak holiday period before resuming in September. The remaining sites were delivered by the end of November, meeting the Council’s programme, budget and quality expectations across a 30-mile radius.
In total, 97 pieces of play and sports equipment were installed, providing more than 858 individual play values for over 851 children. Inclusion was central to the scheme, with 76% of equipment featuring inclusive elements. Designs considered children with neurodivergent characteristics, mobility challenges and differing physical abilities, as well as the needs of parents and carers.
Sustainability also played a key role. Across all sites, Proludic specified high-quality materials, including sustainably sourced timber and products containing recycled content. Baker Close in Sidmouth features a Diabolo multiplay unit manufactured from 80–100% recycled materials, highlighting the project’s environmental commitment.
Each site reflects its local context, from maritime-themed play at Carter Avenue in Exmouth to a bespoke river otter structure at Land of Canaan in Ottery St Mary. Funded through the Council’s Capital Programme and S106 contributions, the completed scheme represents a long-term investment in East Devon’s communities, turning careful planning into meaningful play for years to come.
