Option 3

Of the three, option 2 is the best as it caters for a wider range of ages and has a greater variety play opportunities, but I think all three options are disappointing with their garish colours and prescriptive equipment which offers very little scope for the imagination. Surely, especially in such a beautiful park, more equipment in natural wood offering open ended opportunities for play would be more appropriate? Option three offers the least and the central climbing frame doesn't look very robust. It's rather twee and seems aimed mainly at the youngest children, but without the picnic tables for the adults who are there with the children. I like the inclusion of sensory areas and the musical opportunities in option 2, but the designers don't appear to have studied children's play in any depth. Perhaps they should read up about the history of adventure playgrounds, take some inspiration from them and also research other playgrounds, observing how the children use them. Playgounds are not just for developing children's physical abilities, they should offer challenge and open ended imaginative possibilities.