Penn’s Place officially opened its exciting new playground on 16 November, drawing an impressive crowd of around 100 local residents eager to explore the new space. The Playsafe team were on hand throughout the event, running a gazebo with free squash and a popular colouring-in table for young visitors.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by the Mayor of Petersfield and key members of the council who helped bring the project to life, marking a proud moment for everyone involved.
A Playground Designed for All Ages
The newly built playground is large, vibrant, and packed with features tailored to children of all ages. At its heart are two standout structures: a Junior Jungle Tower and a Toddler Jungle Tower, both designed to encourage imaginative play and physical development.
A adventure trail adds an extra layer of challenge, offering balance, coordination, and excitement for confident explorers.
One of the biggest hits on opening day was the Nest Tower, where multiple children climbed the notched posts and gathered together to chat and play in the netted areas. The hammock also proved extremely popular, with groups of children and families swinging together.
Sensory Play and Social Spaces
The playground includes a thoughtful collection of sensory play panels, positioned near the toddler zone to encourage curiosity and early development. A charming bug trail winds through the park, with carved insects hidden among pieces of play equipment for children to discover.
The six-seat contact swing also adds an element of social play —an instant favourite that allowed children to swing face-to-face and share the fun with friends.
Unique Bespoke Features
Among the playground’s standout bespoke elements is a stunning totem-style rainforest carving, crafted from a single piece of oak. Featuring a variety of rainforest animals, it serves as a beautiful centrepiece. Animal carvings, like the toucan, can be found on pieces of play equipment as well as HDPE leaves.
The animal graphics embedded into the Safa Mulch surfacing also drew plenty of attention. The striking snake that curves around the climbing frame, along with the gecko and frog graphics, add vibrant character to the space.
A Park Made for Summer
While the playground is already bustling with activity, it has also been thoughtfully designed with summer in mind. The client requested ample seating and shaded areas, resulting in features such as the gabion bench built by the grassy mound, two sail shades (one over a bench and one over a DDA picnic table). There’s also plenty of existing trees offering natural shelter from the sun.
Later in the year, the council plans to add planting around the insect habitat posts, further enhancing the park’s atmosphere and biodiversity.
With its mix of adventure, sensory play, and creative design, Penn’s Place is set to become a beloved destination for local families, one that will only grow more inviting as the seasons change.
