Friendly park development

Overview

Five thousand two hundred square metres for the whole neighbourhood

The challenge: a worn, compacted playing field with poor drainage and nowhere to sit. The residents' association wanted play, calm and wildlife in one space.

Our approach: we regraded for a rain garden that soaks up storms, built paths and benches from reclaimed stone and timber, sowed perennial meadows instead of thirsty turf, and planted seasonal flower beds tended with local volunteers.

The outcome: a park that hosts picnics, school nature walks and summer fairs — maintained with the community on a simple seasonal rota we set up together.