African Design Magazine ADM #43 August 2018 | Page 31

SALI SHIELD WINNER
installation team was appointed from
the play equipment contractors’
workforces and Prinsloo commented
on the excellent co-operation from
these workers, especially near
completion when they sometimes
worked until three in the morning. The
safety of the play equipment was of
paramount importance and all risks
had to be identified before and during
manufacturing prior to delivery to
site; while assembly and installation
had to be done to meticulously exact
specifications. The playground has
shown exceptional durability after two
years of regular use since the opening.
A number of custom-designed,
colourfully painted pieces of play
equipment serve to create an
enticing playground for all age groups
attending the school. Other than the
different adventures and risk-taking
provided by the various designs,
exercise, balance and reaction time are
important considerations that have been
taken into account for the growing children.
The 8m high, steel ‘Rocket Tower’ forms
the striking blue and yellow centerpiece
to the playground, and this creation was
custom-designed and manufactured. The
steel poles entailed structural engineering
input. The tower is a challenging play item
as it requires climbing up the core of the
structure by means of rock climbing grips
at the start to a netting platform and then
by ropes to another netting platform; and,
once at the top, an enclosed fibreglass spiral
slide (‘the python’) can be used to reach the
safety matting at the bottom, once again.
Fibreglass was chosen for the tunnel slide, as
steel heats up and could cause discomfort
and even harm to the users. The slide, made
by a local fiberglass specialist, with its small
windows to provide light and security for
users was very challenging to piece together
on site.
AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | AUGUST 2018
31