Nestled along the banks of the River Ness, Whin Park Play Area is flooded with history. Since 1923, the land has been owned by Inverness Town Council and has undergone significant change with the introduction of a boating pond and miniature railway which utilises the original Ness Islands bridges built in 1829.
With reported sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster spanning across centuries, the site has drawn in countless visitors from across the world. But at the heart of these myths and legends, one thing has stayed the same: the community of Inverness.
Nestled along the banks of the River Ness, Whin Park Play Area is flooded with history. Since 1923, the land has been owned by Inverness Town Council and has undergone significant change with the introduction of a boating pond and miniature railway which utilises the original Ness Islands bridges built in 1829.
With reported sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster spanning across centuries, the site has drawn in countless visitors from across the world. But at the heart of these myths and legends, one thing has stayed the same: the community of Inverness.
Used by both local and international visitors, the existing play space at Whin Park struggled to keep up with the demand and continuous usage. The Highland Council knew it was time to breathe new life into the area and decided to open the park to tender.
The proposed designs needed to offer unique play opportunities for all users. A destination play area where users could spend an entire day, whilst also taking advantage of the park’s other facilities. This led our team to develop the concept of ‘The Hunt for Nessie’; combining all The Highland Council’s requirements whilst providing Jupiter Play’s signature WOW factor and unique theming.
As part of the tender process our designs went up against those from other play companies in a public vote, giving the community the chance to decide what they wanted for themselves. The response was incredible, with our concept (pictured above) winning with over 80% of the votes!
Accompanied by trim trails, trampolines, and a miniature pirate ship, Nessie’s Pond is rich with play value for users of all ages and abilities. The main attraction is without a doubt the bespoke Nessie-themed Lappset interactive Sona. Designed to resemble the iconic sea creature herself, the dance arch bridges the gap between technology and play through a variety of educational games. Whether you’re cracking the code in Codebreaker or hiding from the Moon Monster, everyone can feel included!
The focal point of the play space, the Legend Seeker Cove is fitted with an eye-catching wheelchair-accessible Legend Seeker Playship. Brimming with play value, the ship has something for everyone and is packed with opportunities for imaginative play. Meanwhile, the Cove’s edge sees a row of accessible swings, a wheelchair-accessible spinner, and a climbing bird’s nest for users to scout the Loch Ness legend.
Designed to offer a challenge, the Loch Side Escape focuses on developing the fundamental movement skills of users. Kids can put their skills to the test with stepping stones, a climbing net, and climbing poles, before braving the single or double-width slides to take them back to the start. The natural mound which the area is built on provides easy access for wheelchair users to access equipment, whilst offering added play value through the mound’s wet-pour design.
Accompanied by trim trails, trampolines, and a miniature pirate ship, Nessie’s Pond is rich with play value for users of all ages and abilities. But the main attraction is without a doubt the bespoke Nessie-themed Lappset interactive Sona. Designed to resemble the iconic sea creature herself, the dance arch bridges the gap between technology and play through a variety of educational games. Whether you’re cracking the code in Codebreaker or hiding from the Moon Monster, everyone can feel included!
Noted as the main attraction of the play space, the Legend Seeker Cove is fitted with an eye-catching wheelchair-accessible Legend Seeker Playship where users can transport themselves to the Loch Ness as they search for the beloved Nessie. Brimming with play value, the ship has something for everyone and effortlessly fuels imaginations. Meanwhile, the Cove’s edge sees a row of accessible swings, a wheelchair-accessible spinner, and a climbing bird’s nest for users to scout the Loch Ness legend.
Designed to offer a challenge, the Loch Side Escape focuses on developing the fundamental movement skills of users. Individuals can put their skills to the test with stepping stones, a climbing net, and climbing poles, before braving the single or double-width slides to take them back to the start. The natural mound which the area is built on provides easy access for wheelchair users to access equipment, whilst offering added play value through the mound’s wet-pour design.
The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents highlighting the need for play spaces like Whin Park across Inverness. The playground has also made headlines across a range of media outlets, calling attention to the success of The Highland Council’s investment.
Not only has the design brought the myth to life, but the playground itself acts as an educational tool for the history of the Loch Ness Monster whilst creating a space that the community is proud of. In doing so, this play space is sure to leave a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy.
Nottingham
The Coach House
2 North Road
West Bridgford
NG2 7NH
Edinburgh
9 Ainslie Place
Edinburgh
EH3 6AT
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Accreditations
The Coach House
2 North Road
West Bridgford
NG2 7NH
9 Ainslie Place
Edinburgh
EH3 6AT
Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all things play and innovation.
The Coach House
2 North Road
West Bridgford
NG2 7NH
9 Ainslie Place
Edinburgh
EH3 6AT
Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all things play and innovation.
