Article Archives - Page 2 of 3

Interactive Sports Pitches

Posted on 19th February 202419th February 2024 by The Play Companyadmin

The Play Specialists

Worldwide Play Area Equipment, Installation,
Cleaning & Maintenance Company

Interactive Football Pitch Play Area

There is such a variety of options for installing an interactive football pitch into your play area, whether you want a stand-alone ‘basic’ football pitch with two goals or a pitch that incorporates technology and further adds gamification to the area, the choice is up to you.

With the addition to the technology counting the score between the two teams, there is also potential to add in timers and Klaxon sound effects and referee whistles to add to the emersion for users to experience.

The interactive technology comes bespoke per the customers request, as either one set of three units ( only on one side ), two sets of two units or two sets of three units

1x Three PowrPlay Targets ( just on one side )
2x Two PowrPlay Targets ( split over both sides )
2x Three PowrPlay Targets ( split over both sides )

So, let’s take a look at three different tiers of football pitches you can incorporate within your soft play space.

Sunnyside Garden Centre, Ibstock

Sunnyside realised that their football space needed to exist, just as a dwell item within the space so there was no additional technology required.

They gathered this information from their first play area installed within the space, where they’d find groups of young children playing endlessly for hours whilst mum and dad enjoyed coffee and tea from the cafe.

Whilst their sports pitch does the job, it’s at the bare minimum of what can be done; an enclosed area with goalposts on each side, which, whilst this is not anything new, helps the children to develop their imagination skills outside of playing football within the area.

Regular green astro turf
Custom tuffpad themed to the rest of the frame

Play Valley, Doncaster

Play Valley, in Doncaster had a unique colour orientated pallette for their soft play frame, starting at ground level green through to the lighter blues in the clouds and darker blues and blacks towards the top ‘space’.

So, since their football pitch is situated within the cloud level of the frame, their frame is coloured respectivly as blue with cloud artwork around the edge.

PowrPlay X6 ( Interactive Football )
Custom Blue Football Astro turf
Custom Branded Wall Pad Artwork
Custom Colour Tuff Pad Padding

Freedog, Swindon

Freedog, based in Swindon, is an urban playground for not just kids, but also adults. Having some of the UK’s largest climbing and bouldering walls, the client ( Freedog ) wanted the full monty of possible football pitches for their indoor play area!

They wanted the largest enclosed space with the addition of a football and basketball target that would fit within their FEC space as another urban activity, and this one that would give their customers options on whether they wanted to play Football or Basketball from the PowrPlay and AeroStrike units.

PowrPlay X6 ( Interactive Football )
AeroStrike ( Interactive Basketball )
Custom Blue Football Astro turf
Custom Branded Wall Pad Artwork
Custom Colour Tuff Pad Padding

The fascia for the AeroStrike units were also in-line with the branding guidelines from freedog

Whilst all of these sites contain a variation of the same product, there are defiantly added bonus’s to having both the Aerostrike and PowrPlay installed to increase dwell-time, add another level of immersion and effectively, make more profit onsite.

If you’d like to learn more or discover how we can install an interactive football pitch for you and within your play area, please, GET IN TOUCH and let’s discuss what works best for your indoor play area.

Some Football Pitches ( and how they might look for you )

Retrofit at GLL Sutton

Posted on 12th January 202419th July 2024 by The Play Companyadmin

The Play Specialists

Worldwide Play Area Equipment, Installation,
Cleaning & Maintenance Company

Retrofit

Regenerating life, laughter and customers back into your space

Do you have an existing trampoline park, indoor play space or play area that needs more than just a brief clean up?

By using our retrofit services, you’re not only going to breathe new life into your space but also stay ahead of competitors, . We understand the expectations for both children and their parents, and we’re committed to creating a soft play environment that captivates, engages and brings people back time and time again.

We ensure creativity meets functionality, and playfulness mixes with safety. Our retrofitting service is your key to a refreshed, modernised, and highly appealing indoor soft play experience for your visitors.

Save money without breaking the bank, for a whole newarea

GLL Sutton had a trampoline play space going beyond it’s expected life. It was worn, it lacked repeat customers and long dwell times.

so, what did we do?

We used the existing site plans and dropped in a multi-level Strike Arena, one which makes the most of the space above ( which trampolines cannot do ) but why?

Interactive Re-playable Game
Increased Capacity
Single Operator Use
Team ‘Scale-ablity’ ( could be individuals or large teams )
On Brand with the rest of the park

With all of the above and not having to start from scratch or close the park during installation, we were able to deliver exactly what the client wanted – a modern, state-of-the-art play area helping people get active and also providing another reason for people to visit the park.

You can check out the parks promotional video below or GET IN TOUCH if you’d like to discuss a retrofit in your play space.

Here are some of our other popular services…

Interactive Sports Pitch

Strike Arena

Client Testimonial – Altitude, Oswego

Posted on 4th January 20248th January 2024 by The Play Companyadmin

Altitude, Oswego - Client Testimonial

Hearing what our clients think of our products means the most to us, it proves that our work, ‘speaks for its self’.

Below is a short testimonial video from Altitude Park Manager, Hannah Nicolas. She discusses the improvements on the site, who these new attractions are for and much more.

We installed a multitude of products for Altitude Trampoline Park, Oswego.

Strike Arena
Junior Indoor Soft Play
Baby and Toddler Indoor Soft Play
Aero Strike

Whilst the inital suggestion was only to retrofit the soft play and baby area, we were then told that the super trampoline area was going to be removed too. This large area product was no longer fit for purpose on-site.

We worked within the size of the area and height of the building to install a Strike Arena and Ninja Run ( which has been branded for Altitude as a Freestyle Run ) so they could make the most of the space and maximise their capacity and throughput.

Book yourself into one of their sessions HERE.

Read a third parties write up about the new install HERE.

Check out our case study on the park HERE.

New 2023 Soft Play Brochure

Posted on 9th November 20237th December 2023 by The Play Companyadmin

We create lots of unique and different soft play frames to fit our clients needs, and with each iteration and change, we find ourselves with new fully developed designs that go into our brochure.

With 2023 being one of our best years creating indoor soft play designs, our catalogue is now larger than ever.

Within the brochure you can find references to complete soft play installations within the following sectors:

Trampoline Parks
FEC’s
Urban Activity Centres
Farm parks
Indoor Playgrounds

We have also dedicated some space to some design concepts that show what could be done should there be an unlimited budget with one of our clients, something that will capture the curiosity for others to follow.

There is also some dedicated Strike Arena installations from Louisiana in USA, to our country of the UK.

Finally, there is a small breakdown of some of the equipment that can go into play frames from an iconic drop slide to a giant volcano slide.

With a whole lot to see within this catalogue we hope you find it of use and with our design department we hope to speak soon to create something truly unique for yo

It’s our mission to elevate the world of play, and make play more fulfilling, more energetic and more engaging, and it’s that mission that’s at the forefront of everything we do – we’re not willing to rest on our laurels, and we’re always keen to go bigger and better.

When you work with us, you can expect that approach – we aren’t just going to design by numbers. We’ll go above and beyond to understand your target market, work out exactly what’ll best suit your space, and then deliver something that’ll give you the best possible result.

And if that sounds good to you, then we should have a conversation – email us at info@theplaycompany.co.uk or give us a call on 01548 521 197 and we’ll find a good time to talk it through.

Download our brochure:

Simply add a few details below and we will forward our brochure to you:

Work and play hard, at the same time

Posted on 2nd November 20239th January 2024 by The Play Companyadmin

The Play Company Office Pumpkin Carving

As you can imagine, at The Play Company, we don’t always find it easy to separate work and play.

But what we realised some time ago is that that’s no bad thing.

It’s our mission to create things that help kids play, use their imaginations and get and stay active.

And in order to do that effectively, we’ve got to get into more of a childish mindset.

That’s our excuse anyway.

This week, we had the perfect opportunity to do just that, with our pumpkin carving competition.

The competition was fierce, the creativity off the scale, and the end results well worth seeing.

As you can see, when it comes to design, our skills are not limited to play frames – give us a gigantic orange fruit (or is it a vegetable?!) and we’ll turn it into something well worth looking at.

Full disclosure, we don’t spend all of our time carving up pumpkins and Googling templates for the best possible Halloween decorations, but we do think deeply about what will resonate most with your target market.

And if that sounds good to you, then we should have a conversation – email us at info@theplaycompany.co.uk or give us a call on 01548 521 197 and we’ll find a good time to talk it through.

Download our brochure:

Simply add a few details below and we will forward our brochure to you:

What you need to know about sensory areas in your indoor playground, leisure attraction or soft play centre.

Posted on 14th September 202314th September 2023 by The Play Companyadmin

In the world of indoor playgrounds, leisure attractions, and soft play centres, creating a captivating and engaging environment is key to drawing in families, making sure they have a memorable experience, and getting them to come back again and again.

And as the world moves on and matures, more and more people are recognising the need to cater for the whole spectrum of children, including those with specific needs.

One area that’s critical to consider for any leisure attraction is a sensory area – these cater specifically to the sensory needs of children and promote their cognitive development; they’re particularly beneficial for children with developmental disabilities or difficulties with learning or sensory processing.

In this blog, we delve into the world of sensory areas, exploring three essential components: Bubble Tubes, Infinity Wall Panels, and Infinity Floor Pads.

Bubble Tubes: Passive Bubbles or Reactively Sensational

Bubble Tubes have gained immense popularity in indoor play areas due to their ability to provide both passive and reactive sensory experiences.

These mesmerising tubes can vary in size and function, but their core purpose remains the same: to captivate children with the beauty of bubbles and sound.

Passive Bubbles

Bubble Tubes often feature a continuous flow of bubbles that gently rise through a water-filled column. This passive sensory experience is soothing and captivating, creating a calming ambiance within the play area. It’s particularly beneficial for children who may need a break from the more active elements of the playground or for those who simply enjoy watching the bubbles float by.

Reactive Sensation

Some Bubble Tubes take the sensory experience to a different level by incorporating interactive features. Reactive Sensation tubes respond to sound, movement, or touch, making them dynamic and engaging for children of all ages.

For instance, as children laugh, clap, or speak, the bubbles might react in a specific way, creating a delightful interactive display that encourages communication and sensory exploration.

Infinity Wall Panels: Interactive and Enchanting

Imagine a wall that can change colours at the touch of a button and reflect the internal LEDs to create a larger-than-life, ever-evolving masterpiece – that’s exactly what you get when you enter the world of Infinity Wall Panels, where visual stimulation takes centre stage.

Changing Colours

One of the most enchanting features of Infinity Wall Panels is their ability to change colours instantly. Children can experiment with different hues, creating their own magical world and learning about colour-mixing along the way. This interactive aspect sparks their creativity and provides an opportunity for self-expression.

Reflective Wonder

Infinity Wall Panels use mirrors and LEDs to create an illusion of endless space. When children view themselves in the panels, they see an expansive, kaleidoscopic image that captures their imagination. This not only makes them feel larger than life but also helps improve spatial awareness and self-recognition.

Infinity Floor Pads: Space-Saving Sensory Delight

While Infinity Wall Panels offer a visually stimulating experience, Infinity Floor Pads complement them by providing a tactile and exploratory sensory adventure.

These floor-based sensory pads are particularly welcoming for babies and toddlers who are crawling or just beginning to walk.

Tactile Exploration

Infinity Floor Pads feature a soft, responsive surface that encourages tactile exploration. Babies and toddlers can touch, crawl, or sit on the pads, feeling the texture beneath their fingertips. This sensory experience helps develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness.

Space-Saving Solution

Unlike larger sensory installations, Infinity Floor Pads are space-efficient, making them a versatile addition to any indoor play area. They can be strategically placed to create sensory zones that cater to different age groups, ensuring that every child can enjoy a tailored sensory experience.

Your next step on your sensory area journey

Incorporating sensory areas into your indoor playground, leisure attraction, or soft play center is a surefire way to enhance the overall experience for children and their families.

Bubble Tubes, Infinity Wall Panels, and Infinity Floor Pads offer a range of sensory experiences, from passive relaxation to interactive wonder, catering to a wide spectrum of ages and developmental stages.

By integrating these sensory elements, you can create a dynamic and inclusive play environment that not only entertains but also fosters sensory development, creativity, and social interaction among children.

If you’re designing a new indoor play space or looking to revamp an existing one, sensory areas are now a pretty much essential part of the picture – if you’d like to talk about how you can incorporate sensory areas, give us a call on 01548 521197, or fill in the form on this page and we’ll be happy to talk through some options with you.

Download our brochure:

Simply add a few details below and we will forward our brochure to you:

What is a Strike Arena?

Posted on 30th August 202314th September 2023 by The Play Companyadmin

Wondering what a Strike Arena is? You’re not alone. The popularity of this leisure phenomenon has grown rapidly in recent years, and for good reason: people love it.

But what IS it?

At its heart, it’s a leisure activity, which fits perfectly in a indoor play centre, entertainment centre or trampoline park.

Participants run up, down and all around to try and touch coloured pods – the more pods of the right colour you can touch, the better.

Standing in the way of you getting all the pods are obstacles – lots of them – so it’s not as straightforward as just running around, touching a few pods and putting your feet up.

Strike Arena is a team game too, so there’s a real competitive element to it, and there’s a time frame as well, which adds an extra edge to the game.

And because speed is a key part of the game, it helps your customers get active, ticking the health and fitness box.

Who is a Strike Arena for?

For everyone, pretty much.

Clearly it fits perfectly into a soft play-style context, but it’s just at home as an additional revenue stream in an entertainment centre too.

As a result, there are a wide range of target customers, from children enjoying a birthday party, through to corporates having an away day or a team building exercise.

How much space does it take up?

As much or as little as you want – there are 18 different obstacles/challenges to choose from rope climbs to ball pools, and you can pick the ones right for you and your target customer.

These challenges can then be arranged within any sort of frame you want – if space is at a premium, you can build up rather than across.

Check out our case study from Boost Leicester if you want a deep dive into a real one we have built!

Why consider a Strike Arena?

Appeal to lots of different demographics, from kids to corporates
Increase dwell-time and spend-per-head, with another fantastic feature at your premises
Add an additional revenue stream, with the option of ‘pay to play’
Keep moving with the times, giving your customers what they want and staying relevant.

Coming to IAPPA Vienna?

Interested in the idea of Strike Arena and planning on attending IAPPA Vienna?

You’re in luck – we’re in Vienna too, and we’re bringing a Strike Arena with us, so you can try it out for yourself.

Make sure you pop along to The Play Company’s stand at IAPPA, but before you do that, let’s schedule some time to talk things through at the show – click HERE to schedule an appointment at IAPPA.

(If you’re not going to be at the show, click the WhatsApp button to chat to us now, or pick up the phone and call us on (+44) 1548 521197.)

Interview with Jurate: Designing Innovative Trade Show Stands

Posted on 7th August 20237th August 2023 by Krystal Blackwell

Welcome to our Q&A session with Jurate, our talented designer who specialises in creating our captivating trade show stands. In this interview, Jurate sheds light on the software she employs, the unique features of this year’s trade show stand, and the logistics involved in creating a play frame for a Family Entertainment Center (FEC).

Additionally, she shares her enthusiasm for attending trade shows like IAAPA.

Read on to discover the creative process behind our trade show stands.

Q: What software goes into creating a stand for a trade show?

A: We utilise SolidWorks for designing and generating manufacturing plans. Subsequently, Unreal Engine comes into play for rendering our concepts, bringing them to life with stunning visualisations.

Q: How does this stand differ from others that have been created in the past?

A: This year, our stand breaks new ground by incorporating three small strike arena units instead of a single play frame. This innovative arrangement adds a fresh dimension to our presentation, creating a distinct visual impact and enhancing attendee engagement.

By incorporating and making these changes to what we have used before we are able to visually show attendees how things work, as opposed to showing images, videos or a verbal explanation.

Q: How does this differ from creating a frame that would be used in a FEC?

A: The design is meticulously tailored to accommodate limited space while still faithfully representing the concept of our interactive Strike Arena. The practicality of quick assembly and dismantling is a key consideration during the design phase. Moreover, the play units can be repurposed and configured to suit spaces of various sizes and shapes, offering flexible options for FEC installations.

Q: What are you most excited about when going to trade shows like IAAPA?

A: Attending trade shows like IAAPA fuels my excitement to explore the latest industry trends and innovations. It provides an invaluable opportunity to establish new connections and partnerships, enabling us to enhance our product offerings and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our valued customers.

Thank you, Jurate, for sharing your insights and expertise. We are excited to unveil our exceptional trade show stand and connect with industry professionals at upcoming events like IAAPA Vienna 2023.

Join us at Stand B-1401, and together, we’ll craft a play environment that captivates imaginations, promotes active fun, and leaves a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a business owner seeking to enhance your entertainment offerings or an investor interested in the growing soft play market, our team is excited to connect with you at IAAPA Vienna 2023.

Let’s make playtime extraordinary! We look forward to meeting you at the event.

Unforgettable Summer Fun at Hobbledown with AIP

Posted on 17th July 202317th July 2023 by Krystal Blackwell

As you may know, we are renowned for the adventurous indoor play spaces, and were recently invited to one of our most enchanting, Hobbledown, a family adventure park, for the Association of Indoor Play (AIP) summer social. This invitation holds special significance as we constructed Hobbledown’s Soft Play area in June of 2022….. (you can read our case study here)

……AIP, a not-for-profit organisation, plays a vital role in representing and advocating for the Indoor Play Sector, encompassing various aspects such as Indoor Play, Role Play, and Baby Play.

Let’s delve into the significance of this event and explore how The Play Company’s expertise continues to shape the world of indoor play.

The Play Company's Expertise in Indoor Play:

With a commitment to creating imaginative and engaging play environments, The Play Company has established itself as a leader in the indoor play industry. Our dedication to innovation and quality is evident in every project we have undertaken. The construction of Hobbledown’s Soft Play area stands as a testament to this exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Hobbledown and the AIP Summer Social:

Hobbledown, located in Hounslow, England, is a unique family adventure park that offers a range of activities and attractions for children of all ages. As part of their commitment to providing a memorable experience, Hobbledown partnered with us at The Play Company to develop a remarkable Soft Play area, something that at the time was our biggest and most venturesome project to date. This collaboration brought together Hobbledown’s enchanting world and stories with our expertise of soft play, resulting in a space that sparks imagination, encourages active play and continues to tell a story to go alongside the book and characters that hobbledown had written for kids to embark through at this play space.

The AIP Summer Social is an annual event organised by the Association of Indoor Play. It serves as a platform for industry professionals, operators, and suppliers to connect, share knowledge, and discuss the latest trends in the indoor play sector. This year, Hobbledown was chosen as the venue for this highly anticipated gathering, making it even more special for us at The Play Company.

Significance of the AIP Summer Social:

The AIP Summer Social holds immense importance for both The Play Company and the Indoor Play Sector as a whole. It provides an opportunity for industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities. By attending this event, we were able to showcase our expertise and learn from other industry leaders, further enhancing our own understanding of the evolving needs and preferences of children and families.

Through active participation in the AIP Summer Social, we were able to strengthen our relationships within the Indoor Play Sector. Engaging with fellow professionals, share in their experiences, and gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in the industry. Such networking opportunities are essential for us staying at the forefront of innovation and ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional play spaces.

Conclusion:

Our invitation to the AIP Summer Social at Hobbledown was a testament to our expertise and recognition within the Indoor Play Sector. This event serves as a platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and share their passion for creating engaging play environments. By being a part of this gathering, we were able to showcase our remarkable work at Hobbledown’s Soft Play area while also learning from other industry leaders.

Introducing Esther: Crafting Buzz-Worthy Designs for Bee-Themed Soft Play

Posted on 11th July 202311th July 2023 by Krystal Blackwell

Step into a world where imagination takes flight and children can embark on buzzing adventures, meet our newest indoor play installation for babies and toddlers at Mini Meadows.

At this beloved site, we’ve prided ourselves on creating this captivating soft play frame that transports young minds to fantastic farms, and behind the scenes of this, one talented individual played a crucial role in bringing this magical environment to life – Esther, our exceptional graphic designer.

In the below, we will discuss with Esther the creative process behind the artwork at this one of a kind indoor soft play.

How did you incorporate bee-themed graphics into the design of children's soft play frames?

We tried to incorporate as many bee-themed graphics across different parts of the frame, from wall boards to floor pads. We wanted the frame to be a celebration of all things bee-related, so we used a variety of graphics to represent the different aspects of beekeeping such as honey, beehives and meadows.

Can you discuss any specific challenges or considerations you faced when designing the wonderful bee-themed graphics, and how you overcame them?

We wanted to create illustrations and graphics that were simple and contemporary, rather than relying on bee-themed clichés. We drew inspiration from simple contemporary graphics and geometric shapes that can be found within the café.

How do you ensure that the bee-themed graphics align with the branding and theme of Mini Meadows?

We knew that the frame needed to complement the natural look and feel of the café, so we used muted earthy tones and simple shapes that reflected the geometric design of the light fittings.

Where do you tend to draw inspiration from when creating graphics that are displayed within a play frame?

Inspiration can come from anywhere, but I find that I am particularly drawn to sites like Pinterest. Pinterest is a great resource for exploring a wide variety of visual material, from children’s books and packaging to spatial and interior design. It helps me to spark my creativity and to imagine and explore new ideas.

We are grateful to have Esther as a valuable member of our team, infusing our soft play frames with a touch of graphical magic and wonder. Her commitment to staying informed about the latest trends with themed graphic design ensured that Mini Meadows remains at the forefront of providing an immersive and fun, play experience for children whilst also staying true to the original client brief.

As we bid farewell to this inspiring interview, we invite you, our readers, to visit Mini Meadows and witness firsthand the incredible work of Esther. Immerse yourself in the buzzing wonderlands she has brought to life and experience the joy, laughter, and excitement that children await within this bee-themed soft play frame.

The Play Specialists

Interactive Football Pitch Play Area

Sunnyside Garden Centre, Ibstock

Play Valley, Doncaster

Freedog, Swindon

Some Football Pitches ( and how they might look for you )

The Play Specialists

Retrofit

Regenerating life, laughter and customers back into your space

Here are some of our other popular services…

Interactive Sports Pitch

Strike Arena

Altitude, Oswego - Client Testimonial

Download our brochure:

The Play Company Office Pumpkin Carving

Download our brochure:

Bubble Tubes: Passive Bubbles or Reactively Sensational

Infinity Wall Panels: Interactive and Enchanting

Infinity Floor Pads: Space-Saving Sensory Delight

Your next step on your sensory area journey

Download our brochure:

Who is a Strike Arena for?

How much space does it take up?

Why consider a Strike Arena?

Q: What software goes into creating a stand for a trade show?

Q: How does this stand differ from others that have been created in the past?

Q: How does this differ from creating a frame that would be used in a FEC?

Q: What are you most excited about when going to trade shows like IAAPA?

The Play Company's Expertise in Indoor Play:

Hobbledown and the AIP Summer Social:

Significance of the AIP Summer Social:

Conclusion:

How did you incorporate bee-themed graphics into the design of children's soft play frames?

Can you discuss any specific challenges or considerations you faced when designing the wonderful bee-themed graphics, and how you overcame them?

How do you ensure that the bee-themed graphics align with the branding and theme of Mini Meadows?

Where do you tend to draw inspiration from when creating graphics that are displayed within a play frame?

Ready to build something amazing? Contact our team: 01548 521197

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