A playground where the boomerang leads the way
For the municipality of Dongen, we designed three new playgrounds. The municipality was so enthusiastic about the designs that we were commissioned to realise all three locations.
For De Boemerang playground, local residents were actively involved in the process. During a residents’ meeting, we presented several design options and the community chose a natural design using robinia wood. The result is a playground that blends beautifully into its green surroundings and reflects the wishes of the neighbourhood.
The boomerang as the basis for the design
The name De Boemerang formed the starting point for the design. Winding paths follow the recognisable shape of a boomerang and connect the different play and sports areas. This naturally encourages children to move throughout the entire playground, discovering new ways to play along the way.
The markings on the sports court also follow the boomerang shape. This creates a clear design theme that runs throughout the playground and brings the different elements together as one cohesive space.
Explore, move and meet
De Boemerang offers plenty of ways to play. Children can get active on the sports court, climb and balance on the Robinia play equipment or follow the winding play route. Along the way, they encounter natural play features and can meet up with others on the central square. The playground encourages children to keep moving and discover something new around every corner.
A playground for every child
For this design, we combined our vision of Energisers, Structure seekers, Builders and Observers – different ways in which children play – with the municipality of Dongen’s Schijf van Vijf Buitenspelen (Outdoor Play Wheel of Five).
The two approaches complement each other and help create a varied play environment where movement, discovery, social interaction and playing together all have a place. This gives children different ways to enjoy the playground and the freedom to discover their own interests and abilities.
