Rensenpark, the city park of Emmen (the Netherlands), has gained a large, unique and above all circular playground.
Constructed of FSC®-certified hardwood, combined with sustainable reuse of materials already present in the park, this has become a play area that cannot be ignored.
From zoo to multifunctional city park
Once the home of the Noorder Dierenpark, Rensenpark is now a place where you can stroll leisurely. After the closure of the animal park, the landscape has retained its charm, but the former animal enclosures have been repurposed, often for cultural activities.
Rensenpark has been transformed into a vibrant city park, with a focus on social gatherings. It is also a beloved hotspot for families, with the main attraction being the old climbing and sliding tower from the former animal park. However, this large play structure was in urgent need of replacement.
Request for new playground equipment
The final order for the replacement of this outdated play tower came from the municipality of Emmen. By means of a tender, various suppliers were invited to submit designs for new play equipment. The objective was to create a new, natural-looking play equipment that would offer at least the same level of challenge as the old one. Additionally, the reuse of stainless steel elements from the old playground equipment was highly appreciated.
This was an opportunity we could not pass up. With our vision on sustainability and circularity, and our track record in creating playgrounds that withstand the test of time, this project was perfectly suited to our expertise.
Designing circular playground equipment
With about eight weeks to complete the design, our product designers sat around the table to explore the possibilities of designing this circular playground equipment. The available dimensions of the two stainless steel slides and the stainless steel slide bar were carefully considered, after which we were able to incorporate them as seamlessly as possible into the new design. We then determined which play values we wanted to incorporate in the equipment and the aesthetic that would do justice to the rich history of the park.
An astonishing 7-metre-high result
The result is truly amazing: standing at a towering height of 7 meters, this structure is a genuine spectacle. From the top of the play tower, children can enjoy a magnificent view of the park, before sliding down the reused slides, eager to begin climbing and exploring all over again. By successfully repurposing the old materials, we prevent waste and retain a piece of the original playground equipment. At the same time, it allows us to draw attention to the growing importance of environmental awareness
Recycling boulders
What makes this playground equipment particularly remarkable is that, in addition to the stainless steel elements, we also reused a number of boulders from the park. The boulders add a natural and whimsical dimension to the design and challenge children to climb, clamber and balance. With a nod to Drenthe’s rich history and its megalithic tombs, this reuse, together with a good dose of fun, forms a harmonious whole.
Pushing limits
In addition to climbing, scrambling and sliding, children can also balance, swing and socialise on the new playground equipment. It challenges children to push their limits, for example by encouraging them to climb the highest tower or tackle a more challenging route via our unique rope bridge. Engaging in boundary-pushing play is invaluable for children’s development as it helps them to build self-confidence, nurture creativity and foster teamwork.
Circulariteit en duurzaamheid
The playground equipment isn’t just visually appealing; it also underscores our commitment to circularity and sustainability without compromising on its play value. By using high-quality materials and reusing existing elements, we can minimise waste and guarantee long-term play enjoyment. The combination of the FSC®-certified hardwood we use for our equipment and the vandal-resistant Hercules rope ensures that this play equipment stands the test of time, ready to provide generations of adventure for children of all ages.
All in all, this new circular playground equipment at Rensenpark – pays tribute to Drenthe’s rich history, embodies a commitment to sustainability and promises a world of adventure for generations to come.