Claremont Park Water Meadows Playground sits in the centre of the newly opened Claremont Park. The playground includes climbing structures and waterplay inspired by existing nature and local history and encourages creativity and inclusivity through play. Situated in Brent Cross Town, which is being jointly delivered by Related Argent and Barnet Council, Claremont Park was designed by Townshend Landscape Architects and HTA Design. Opening in the early stages of Brent Cross Town’s development, Claremont Park is the first of seven parks that will be delivered in the neighbourhood and will become a key part of Brent Cross Town’s 50 acres of park and playing fields. It brings new life to a green space with 300 new trees, imaginative play facilities, water features, nature trails and a new community-run kiosk and will become an important neighbourhood space for the local community to relax and spend time in.

The playground takes inspiration from the local river Brent, which began as a natural meandering river with forested banks. Industrialisation and increase of population lead to the river feeding a large reservoir and into the canal system. The narrative of the Water Reservoir permeates the play scheme: a water play area with undulating topography and natural boulders resembles the language of a slipway, a bouldering climbing wall evokes a dammed edge and a bespoke play structure, Flotsam Play Towers, emerges from an imaginary water reservoir.

The Flotsam Play Towers timber structure is built from hardwood timber. It sits in the imaginary reservoir, tempting the intrepid to daring climbs and games of chase. It’s leafy timber shingles and irregular shape project intrigue from afar as iridescent stainless steel shingles catch the light.

Play areas are designed with dual function, creating places for people to socialise as well as play. The design of the playground complements the woodland character of the park, embracing the existing two mature oak trees in the centre.

The play offer is innovative and creative; providing a range of play opportunities for a variety of age groups, including physical, sensory, natural, and collaborative play to support different types of participation and fun as well as traditional play that children know and love.

A gnarly climber and leaf net allow exploring trees and shadow play of leaves and branches close and higher up.

A dam and spillways ripple down a colourful slope with beautiful natural boulders inviting scrambling and splashing. Parents can relax surrounded by greenery or join in and play again.

The play offer has been guided by a set of principles that underpin the design of the park itself. These include encouraging social spaces; improving connectivity; being accessible and inclusive; and creating real opportunities for play, leisure, exercise and sport. By transforming the existing space these principles have been brought to life in the creation of a beautiful local park, with a variety of spaces and facilities for relaxation, play and socialising that will attract a wider range of people to the park, enabling it to become a core part of the emerging neighbourhood.