Showcasing Our Impact
Portfolio
How Do We Work?
THIS PORTFOLIO SECTION shows how PLAYLINK‘s general approach translates into practice on the ground. The projects represented here cover some of our work in parks, residential estates, designated play spaces, schools and nurseries.
VICTORIA PARK
In the heart of East London, PLAYLINK collaborated with Tower Hamlets to transform two traditional play areas in the iconic Victoria Park. By removing restrictive fencing and introducing natural elements like sand, water, and loose parts, the redesign has created dynamic, inclusive spaces that invite exploration and play. Featuring giant swings, wide slides, and a new wheel park, the revamped areas have seen a dramatic increase in visits and engagement, embodying PLAYLINK’s commitment to community-focused design.
FRAMPTON PARK ESTATE
PLAYLINK transformed a housing estate into a vibrant, shared communal space—a modern "village green." Designed to foster informal social interaction, the space features a central pathway with seating, encouraging spontaneous gatherings. Positioned close to residential flats with residents’ approval, this project challenges conventional guidelines, embracing a thoughtful, community-driven approach to play and connection.
ABBEY GARDENS
In the archaeologically sensitive grounds of a medieval abbey, PLAYLINK created a unique playable space that blends culture, nature, and community. Positioned between the abbey ruins and the River Lark, the design eliminated conventional barriers, integrating pathways, planting, handmade seating, and a bespoke treehouse. The result is a vibrant shared space where families gather, children explore freely, and visitors stay longer, enjoying an inviting, inclusive environment that fosters creativity and connection.
RACHEL KEELING NURSERY
PLAYLINK collaborated with visionary headteacher Ben Hasan to transform an already enchanting school outdoor space into a dynamic environment for play and learning. Featuring a large tree, boulders, sand, water, and ropes, the design encourages tactile and exploratory play while integrating opportunities for risk-taking and discovery. Serving as both a free play area and a formal learning environment, the space thrives year-round, inspiring creativity and resilience in all weathers.
HACKNEY DOWN
Working within the constraints of an existing playground, PLAYLINK introduced new features like sand, water, land mounds, and bespoke climbing structures to create a more dynamic play space. While fencing adjustments to incorporate nearby trees weren't possible, the revamped playground remains immensely popular, drawing more visitors than its size can comfortably accommodate.
HARRY GOSLING SCHOOL
In the heart of Tower Hamlets, where green spaces are scarce, PLAYLINK transformed Harry Gosling School's tarmac playground into a dynamic environment rich with play opportunities. Beyond design, the project introduced Scrapstore Play Pods and addressed anxieties around risk-taking, fostering a culture of permission over prohibition. Partnering with local play associations for Breaktime Supervisor training, the initiative radically improved the breaktime experience for both children and staff, creating a space where creativity and joy thrive.
THORNBURY PARK
Thornbury Park, once underused and featureless, was reimagined by PLAYLINK to create a vibrant hub for community activity. Rejecting the idea of hiding new facilities like the wheel park and ball court, we positioned them as focal points near paths, promoting visibility, safety, and inclusivity. Designed to invite both participation and congregation, the space integrates land molding, planting, and seating to blend utility with aesthetic appeal, ensuring it feels like a natural part of the park's landscape.
SHERINGHAM NURSERY SCHOOL
At Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre, PLAYLINK transformed underutilized outdoor spaces into dynamic environments for play and learning. Despite design challenges posed by the school’s layout, the project created rich, modular spaces with features like planting areas, outdoor cooking potential, and risk-taking elements. By addressing anxieties around risk through workshops and thoughtful design, the new outdoors invites children to explore freely while staying connected to nature. This rewarding project highlights the need for better planning in school building design to ensure outdoor spaces meet their full potential from the start.
RHODES ESTATE
PLAYLINK reimagined a neglected tarmac area within a council housing estate into a welcoming village green. Guided by values of connection and inclusivity, the design encourages informal, cross-generational interaction in shared spaces. Every element—from the seating and pathways to low-key play features—was carefully chosen to foster a "culture of permission," affirming the right of children and teenagers to be seen and heard in communal spaces.
PEPPERMINT PARK
PLAYLINK transformed an underused piece of land outside a Health Centre into a vibrant, playable village green. In collaboration with Croydon Council, the Health Centre, and local residents, the project created a welcoming gathering place for all ages. Featuring new access points, lush planting, log climbing structures, water play elements, and seating, the space now invites connection, play, and relaxation for the entire community.
OLYMPIC PARK
As part of the Olympic Games Legacy, PLAYLINK contributed to the design of the South Park within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, collaborating with James Corner Field Operations. Our role focused on addressing the complexities of playable spaces by applying Risk-Benefit Assessment to balance safety with enriching play experiences. This approach ensured that the park's features aligned with the values of creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement.
FLYING FORTRESS PARK
Flying Fortress Park, a new public space within a housing regeneration area, has been transformed by PLAYLINK into a welcoming and dynamic environment for all ages. Designed to seamlessly connect with the wider public realm, the park balances energetic activities with spaces for calm and sociability. Key features include a ball court, playful seating, swings, a large slide, sand areas, and a log maze, all enriched by thoughtful landscaping that references the site's historic role as a WW2 airfield.
INWOOD PARK
PLAYLINK reimagined a disused paddling pool in Inwood Park into a vibrant water play area that welcomes families and encourages lingering enjoyment. Combining sand, sand-and-water play, and a playable backdrop, the design offers diverse play opportunities in a natural, inviting setting. Supported by the park’s Friends Group, the project overcame technical challenges to create a space that blends creativity, functionality, and community spirit.
GLAMIS NURSERY
Faced with a challenging, confined outdoor area, PLAYLINK reimagined the space into a softer, sensory-rich environment designed to inspire calmer and more engaged play. Balancing practical needs with bespoke features and planting, the new design has transformed children’s behavior, fostering absorbed play and reducing disputes, while creating an aesthetically pleasing and manipulable space.
GASCOIGNE AND WINFIELD ESTATE
In collaboration with the residents' association and PATH, PLAYLINK transformed the area around the Hut into an inviting, communal space for all ages. Guided by principles of inclusivity, safety, and creativity, the design fosters shared play and sociability. The result is a vibrant "village green" that balances children’s need to explore and test boundaries with a welcoming environment for adults and families.
CARVILLE HALL PARK SOUTH
With a commission of £325,000, PLAYLINK revitalized Carville Hall Park South into a vibrant, shared space for all ages. Key interventions included creating a ball court, restoring the lake, and designing play areas free of enclosing fences. These thoughtful changes fostered a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging families to picnic, children to play freely, and the community to linger and connect in a relaxed, inclusive environment.
Years Of Experience
Completed Projects
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