Lee Valley Farm has enhanced its family picnic area with the addition of an exciting new farm themed playground designed and installed by Russell Play.
Alongside the picnic tables children can now play at being a farmer, a vet or a farm shop owner while other family members may choose to relax with a drink from Lee Valley Farm's own Orchard Cafe.
The Picnic and Play area of Lee Valley Farm is situated right in the centre of the farm so it is visited at some point by most families during their day out. The playground's central location makes it a focal point in the farm and so has enhanced its overall appearance and has become a small attraction in itself within Lee Valley Farm.
Russell Play was one of seven companies that tendered for the play area. The reasons Russell Play won the tender were down to the bespoke design of the play equipment, the ability to farm theme the items and the fact that they are made from a very durable natural Robinia timber.
The tough Robinia timber structures include "˜Connie the Combine', a large combine harvester that children can climb on, crawl through and slide down or pretend to drive. Likewise with "˜Tex the Tractor' a small tractor complete with trailer for smaller children which also has a slide. For more farm pretend play, kids can use the wooden vet clinic or buy and sell things at the play farm shop. Complementing these in a similar natural wood material are a roundabout, a tyre swing, some hay bales to balance on and also some playful carved animals including a sheep.
The thinking behind the concept was that as well as experiencing the traditional aspects of a farm visit like feeding and handling the animals and seeing the real farm equipment and buildings, the children could then have fun with play versions of these elements. There are even sand and water play areas to add to the mix of activities.
At the outset Lee Valley farm consulted children at the nearby school to hear what they would like to see form part of the new play area. There were four specific areas they wanted to put play structures in that were to blend with the picnic area to form a whole visually pleasing site. They were aware of Russell Play's ability to make bespoke themed equipment and that formed a very important part of the tender process. The children themselves suggested all the items they wanted to see in the spaces all of which had an emphasis on role play based around a farm theme.
The new play area has been greatly received by visiting families.
James Broomfield, Lee Valley Park Farms Manager, said: "It is a great setting for children to have some fun in the fresh air. They can run around and role play being a vet or farmer and there's an interesting mix of playground equipment for them to enjoy."
Lucy Morgan, aged seven from Enfield was among the first to try out the new play area. She said: "It's great! There is loads to do here. It's a lot of fun and very colourful. My favourite thing is Connie the Combine Harvester – great for climbing."
