Sherwood Avenue Park - Newark-on-Trent Newark & Sherwood District Council

Main Features:

• Outdoor Splash Pad
• Concrete Cobbled Print Effect
• 3 Individual Water Play Features
• Weir Gates

Existing Site

The project site was initially a green field area located next to a newly developed play area.

Design

The Sherwood Avenue Water Rill was designed as an immersive water play experience tailored for younger children. The brief called for an engaging, hands-on stream where kids could explore the movement and behavior of water. Our solution is a sculpted concrete rill, featuring an eye-catching cobble-texture imprint that adds visual interest while remaining cost-effective.

Water flows from the iconic Whoosh shower head, cascading down the rill and into two interactive weir gates. These gates can be opened and closed by children, allowing them to control the flow, build up water, and engage in experiential learning through play.

At the halfway point, we’ve integrated a manual water pump with a rotating winder, enabling children to actively pump water back into the stream. This feature not only adds to the fun but also introduces a hands-on learning opportunity about water cycles and mechanics.

The result is a dynamic, educational, and playful feature that encourages curiosity, creativity, and collaboration through tactile exploration.

Post-Completion & Safety Inspection

Upon completion, we conducted a thorough independent play inspection to identify and address any potential safety risks and ensure the area conforms to EN 1176/77 Playground standards.