Amelia Trust Farm
Set in the peaceful Welsh countryside, Amelia Trust Farm is a much-loved community charity that offers a safe, restorative space for families to connect with nature, spend time with animals, and experience the benefits of outdoor play. Their mission is to give children and young people the chance to build skills, confidence, and resilience, while enjoying the mental and physical wellbeing that comes from time spent outdoors.
When Amelia Trust Farm reached out to Phoenix Play, they were ready for a change. Their existing play towers were old, weathered, and no longer compliant with safety standards. They wanted to transform the area into something fresh, inclusive, and exciting - a play space that could welcome visitors of all ages and support the farm’s mission of bringing more families and new visitors to the site.
A Playground for Everyone
From the very start, inclusivity and accessibility were central to the design. The goal was to create a play area that would capture the imagination of toddlers, challenge older children, and feel like a natural extension of the farm’s countryside charm.
The final design includes a bespoke three-tower play structure, each tower offering a different level of challenge to suit a wide range of ages and abilities. The lower level (with a 0.9m slide) would be perfect for younger explorers taking their first steps into active play; whilst having a high tower with 1.5m slide and climbing wall on the highest point would provide challenge for older children ready to test their confidence and coordination.
Each tower features a thoughtful mix of easy-access entry points - from gentle steps to more demanding routes, such as a climbing wall, to ensure every child can play at their own pace and ability.
Designed with Community in Mind
The project evolved through multiple design stages, working closely with Victoria Easton and the team at Amelia Trust Farm to ensure every detail reflected their vision. We adapted the equipment to fit perfectly within the existing bark pit area, helping to minimise surfacing costs while maximising play value.
Alongside the main tower, we added:
- A basket and double flat-seat swing set, providing inclusive options for children who prefer gentler motion or group play.
- A large timber playhouse complete with a chalkboard for mark-making and creative expression - designed to mirror the look and feel of the farm’s existing wooden huts.
- Roll-over bars, chosen for their timeless appeal and ability to engage older children in active, gymnastic style, play at a low cost.
A True Community Effort
Before finalising their plans, the team at Amelia Trust Farm carried out extensive research within the local community to make sure the new playground would bring joy to as many families as possible. This careful planning and consultation played a huge part in securing funding through a National Lottery Community Grant, making the dream a reality.
“We couldn’t be happier with our new play area. Phoenix Play took the time to really understand our needs, and the end result is even better than we imagined. It’s safe, inclusive, and full of opportunities for adventure – a perfect fit for our community.”
The farm is now planning a Grand Opening to celebrate the new space and invite the community to enjoy the vibrant, inclusive playground at the heart of their countryside sanctuary.
When the installation was complete, Victoria Easton shared her delight:
“The team at Phoenix Play and Beth were outstanding in working closely with us to get the design that worked with the different ages of children that visit the farm. We revised the plans many a time, and we’re so so happy with the end product. The installation process was absolutely incredible from beginning to end. The team planned everything in advance to limit any disruption and the Phoenix installation team were extremely efficient, organised and so neat and tidy - which was so important to us as Amelia Trust Farm was kept open throughout the whole installation process.”
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