Helsinki, Finland Playground Surfacing Project
Just north of Finland’s capital, in the suburbs of Helsinki, lies the recently renovated Leikkipuisto Lampi children’s play park. Fully redeveloped in 2020, the park features a wide range of engaging equipment, including a giant pirate ship, wading pool, trampoline, swings and interactive play features designed to encourage imagination and active play.
Notts Sport has worked in partnership with authorised Finnish ChildsPlay installers Oy Piresma, based in Espoo, for over ten years. Together, they have delivered high-quality playground surfacing solutions across Finland, supporting municipalities and designers in creating safe and visually engaging play environments.
Working with the City of Helsinki, via Oy Piresma and based on designs by Näkymä Architects, Notts Sport supplied the playground safety surfacing. Systems ranged from ChildsPlay Recreation through to ChildsPlay 300, providing critical fall height protection of up to 300cm. The ChildsPlay system is also thermally stable, making it ideal for Finland’s harsh climate, with no shrinkage or performance issues in extreme cold conditions.
The surfacing design incorporates intricately cut sea creatures surrounding the play equipment and paddling pool, helping to spark children’s imagination. The space encourages creative play, where children can become deep-sea explorers, treasure hunters or superheroes in an immersive environment.
More than just a playground, the park has become a valuable community hub, offering a safe and welcoming space for families to meet, relax and socialise. Children can enjoy both independent and group play, while seasonal activities such as free food provision further enhance community engagement.
In 2021, Oy Piresma was also selected to resurface the Blomängen daycare centre, located شرق of Helsinki. The site included multiple play zones, from running tracks and nursery areas to sloped play spaces for older children.
Both projects utilised VHAF NottsSward turf in Olive Green with Fjord Blue pathways, delivering a durable, low-maintenance and visually appealing surface suitable for high-use educational environments.
