19.06.2017 - Ausgabe: 3/2017

Ketteler Hof leisure park: 'Around the world through play' in the new indoor play centre

By Jola Teschner, Landschaftsarchitekturbüro Dipl.-Ing. Rolf Teschner

Germany's family-run Ketteler Hof leisure park, the grounds of which extend to nearly 30 acres, is sited between the urbanised area of the Ruhr district and the more rural province of Münsterland. It has recently been extended to include a major play attraction that can be used all year round in all weathers. It thus helps offset seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers and helps retain customer loyalty. In 2016, the park welcomed 350,000 visitors and customer satisfaction with what the park had to offer was found to have improved.

On 1 April 2017, the new indoor play centre (90 m in length, 42 m in width and 10 m in height) opened its doors to the many young and older visitors to the leisure park who can now go on a trip 'around the world through play'. The structure itself has been carefully integrated in a lake in the park landscape and is reached by a generously proportioned bridge.

The nine 'play worlds' of the centre entitled Africa, Enchanted Forest, Outer Space, Arctic, Mangrove Forest, Jungle, Urban Landscape and Mountain World have been put in place by the park operators to enable visitors to take a play-based trip 'around the world'. These play worlds cover an area of some 1000 m² and extend up to 10 m in height. In addition, there is also a 350 m² separate play area dedicated to toddlers and small children that was designed and constructed by the committed and well-qualified members of the park team themselves.
The park issued an open invitation to tender in 2015 to encourage play equipment manufacturers to submit individual concepts for the design of the various play worlds.

The contracts were awarded to the following businesses: Emsland- Kinderland Spielgeräte (Africa and Mountain World), Kukuk (Enchanted Forest), Sik-Holzgestaltungs GmbH (Outer Space), Spielart GmbH (Arctic) and Künstlerische Holzgestaltung Bergmann GmbH (Mangrove Forest, Jungle and Urban Landscape).

The basic idea was to transpose the autonomous world of play close to nature possible in the outdoor sections of the park to the indoor areas of the centre where it is no longer reliant on weather conditions; here the corresponding safety and hygiene regulations have also had to be met.

What the nine 'play worlds' have in common is a very appealing and tasteful design of each space that allows the individual features and characteristics introduced by each of the manufacturers to stand out. The play spaces are thus inherently distinguishable one from the other and engage each user's interest in different ways.
These spaces offer a wide diversity of fun and exploration options to younger and older visitors while the ways that they can be interpreted for the purposes of play are just as varied.
Complex climbing structures are interspersed among dynamic activity landscapes across several levels. The various ascending and descending elements make it possible for new circular play activities to be continually discovered. Users can constantly alternate between relaxation in enclosed withdrawal spaces, active role playing in the various scenarios provided (planets, iceberg, submarine, mountain cleft, meerkat burrow, etc.), the experience of zero gravity in a net structure mounted at a height of 5.4 m and enjoyment of the exhilaration of speed in one of the many steel slides (mainly constructed by Atlantis); this makes for a wide range of sensory diversion and encourages young visitors to explore their own capabilities.

Slides have in general a magical effect on their users; children in this indoor play centre have the choice between a double free fall slide (drop height: 10 m), a broad track wave slide (drop height: 7 m), spiral, tunnel and several enclosed slides with various drop heights, a roller slide that links two different levels and various other sloped surfaces that can be used for sliding and slipping.       

Accessibility for the disabled is provided for in many of the play spaces and even the highest play level at 5.4 m can be reached by families with buggies and those in wheelchairs thanks to the provision of a glassed-in lift.

There is a section for toddlers that takes as its theme the German parlour game 'Stadt-Land-Fluss' (similar to the Anglo-US board game 'Scattergories'). This is a separate and more tranquil space for young children with their parents that features attractions such as a large green and yellow ball pool-maize field landscape with (play) agricultural equipment to investigate.

The effects of each 'play world' are emphasized by the use of appropriate wall and floor colourings (such as black with glitter elements in the Outer Space world) and imaginative artistic installations (as in the Urban Landscape and toddler sections) that enhance the overall appearance of each play area.

Carefully positioned light effects (like the 'underwater spotlight' in the 'Arctic Ocean' and the fairylike 'glitter world' in the Enchanted Forest) provide further sensory impressions.  

Only users wearing socks may enter the play areas (bare feet and shoes are prohibited). The seamless floor covering with its EPDM core and PU surfacing matches, in form, colour and function, the corresponding play equipment and meets all requirements with regard to impact attenuation, slip-resistance and ease of cleaning.
Used in the toddler section is Playfix Indoor 60+PU in three colours by Berleburger Schaumstoffwerke GmbH; installed in all other areas is Sureplay Safety PU Indoor (in 11 different colours) by Procon Play and Leisure GmbH.

The various indoor play attractions in the centre are supplemented by an airy café/restaurant lounge with windows overlooking the lake. Mums, dads and grandparents can take their ease here over a cup of latte macchiato and perhaps something sweet from the café or even enjoy a full hot meal in the restaurant content in the knowledge that their children will return safe and happy from their trip 'around the world through play'.  

The architectural design of the centre building itself (by Brünninghof GmbH) took sustainability into account. A wooden framework construction principle has been employed, wood chips provide the fuel for heating, wherever possible resource-friendly, locally sourced natural materials are used - also when it comes to furnishings - there is state-of-the -art LED lighting indoors and LED insect-friendly lighting outdoors - just to name a few of the ecologically sound characteristics of the structure.

The landscape architect company Dipl.-Ing. Rolf Teschner supervised all aspects of the project from initial concept in 2013 through to completion. "We were responsible for supervision of the whole undertaking whereby we worked hand in glove with the various project managers appointed by the client and provided them with any support they required. The planning and monitoring of the construction of the outdoor sections of the centre, the putting in place of the infrastructure - and of course what was particularly important in this case - its integration in the existing leisure park and the surrounding landscape were just some of the tasks assigned to us," explains Dipl. Ing. Jolanta Teschner.

With its outdoor sections that feature more than 40 separate play attractions, the nine new play areas in the indoor play section and a wealth of original ideas that are just waiting to be implemented, Ketteler Hof leisure park in Haltern am See is well equipped to meet the play demands of the future - not least because of the innovative design of its new indoor play centre.

 

Comments on 'Around the world through play'

 

Mario Hampel (Kinderland Emsland Spielgeräte):

"Collaborating on the design of the indoor centre of Ketteler Hof was an exciting challenge for us. We were given the task of creating two of the features - Africa and Mountain World. For us, the important thing was to create indoor worlds using, as far as possible, natural materials adapted to the indoor space that would provide a high play value and enable users to feel as if they had actually entered the given environment for real. This meant we had to employ materials and processes with which we were not familiar. Our basic approach was to create the worlds using wooden panels that, when decorated with abstract rock formations, would give the impression of mountains or if painted with animals could be used for a play safari in the African savannah. In order to provide for durability and avoid damaging floor coverings, we coated all the surfaces and bases of the elements in our play worlds with bio-based polyurethane. We employed the various internal walls used for structural purposes and to separate the various worlds not simply as sites to attach components. We had decided from the beginning that our play area would have multiple levels that would provide a range of play options in a restricted space. Our 'mountains' with their abstract rock formations made of wood can be climbed from outside as well as inside. We consulted a climbing instructor to help us create climbing routes of different levels of difficulty - in both the horizontal and vertical directions. One of the highlights of this world is a 'glacier' slide positioned within an internal wall. We also used decorated wood panels for the Africa world in order to make the concept of animal migrations in the savannah playable. The children themselves become part of the migration that eventually leads them up to the top of a baobab tree.  The fluid transitions within this world are provided by a roll slide that we have incorporated that links the free-standing tree with an internal wall. There is a crooked meerkat burrow and a play-sized African village to round-off the play attractions here. During the design phase, we generated 3D images of our concepts. This meant that we were able to resolve any technical problems in advance and make the intended play activities perceptible so that we could ensure that sufficient play value was provided. We were also thus able to go through the proposed play activities and play concepts in detail with the client in advance and thus use the space available to its optimum potential."

 

Robin Wagner (KuKuk GmbH):

"If you are going on a trip round the world, one thing you will not be able to avoid is trees. So we opted in favour of creating a forest for our contribution to the journey around the world. This was rapidly transformed into the Enchanted Forest - not because ordinary forests are not interesting enough in themselves but simply because we wanted to be a bit different this time in the indoor centre and give the space a magical atmosphere, with secret pathways, enigmatic and full of surprises...something enchanted, in other words. Three large and stately trees dominate our Kukuk forest. They are old trees - we modelled them on genuine old oaks that are hundreds of years old. They are hollow inside - part of one has already broken off. They give the impression that they have grown directly out of the floor of the building. The trees were not supplied in finished form but had to be constructed on site from many separate wood components to ensure that they were accessible. The course of the paths inside is not apparent from the outside, so that it is necessary to go on expedition into the unknown to discover them. The treetops are linked by climbable net structures. Even these nets were not prefabricated but were knotted and slung on site. The result is a very individual structure that has an organic feel and is reminiscent of spider webs and the leaves and tendrils of ivy and lianas. There are two funnel-shaped nets that provide access to the treetops. Interaction is necessary here, as the funnel nets can only be reached if the pads lying around on the floor are correctly stacked between the ropes. We deliberately avoided painting the trees. Instead, we have used coloured light that generates a fluid, ever-changing atmosphere and that throws mysterious colourful shadows on the walls that contrast with the darker ambience. This makes the forest appear larger and more extensive that it actually is. Hanging from the branches are twinkling spangles that catch the light and provide a magical sparkle while the glittering structures on walls reflect the light and create colourful effects. We placed particular emphasis on the choice of materials to ensure that the greatest possible authenticity was achieved. Because we used unprocessed wood, the trees feel real to the touch. They convey a sense of strength and impart a nature-like impression. The ropes are covered with a soft material, thus protecting hands, legs and feet even during protracted climbing treks and preventing the ropes from causing constructions. The Enchanted Forest is both an artwork and play object at one and the same time; equal stress has been placed on appearance and playability. For the designers, it was important to make visitors want to climb the trees without knowing what they would encounter. The various ways of getting to the top that are revealed inside the trees themselves and are also possible via the funnel nets and the various routes of access from the internal walls; this, together with the dynamic light effects mean that the forest is never experienced in the same way. It is subject to continuing changes that provide for a new play experience every time it is used while children are encouraged to explore more and more options."

 

Ulrike Konrad (Kulturinsel Einsiedel Künstlerische Holzgestaltung Bergmann GmbH):
"Our work on the features of the indoor centre at Ketteler Hof represents something that is already a long tradition in our case; we have been developing new leisure world concepts for more than 25 years and for over 15 years we have been creating exciting themed attractions for Ketteler Hof. For the indoor centre, we were required to construct specific themed worlds - located above the Urban Landscape is the Jungle and next to it is the Mangrove Forest. While the kids speed about on pedal cars at ground level on the streets below the towering structures, there is a tangled confusion of nets, ropes, bridges, ramps and tree houses above their heads - this is the Jungle climbing world. Not something for the faint-hearted, as the roads of the Urban Landscape can be glimpsed far below through the oscillating green Jungle floor. Once the maze of trees has been negotiated, revealed are the little oases of relaxation provided by the tree houses: here is Joe's bar and over there is a tropical corner shop... there is even a jungle doctor's surgery where the weary climber can find herbal potions and undergo an eye test. The lovingly detailed role playing options encourage children to play together. Next door, the adventure-beckoning rafts and floating platforms between the mangroves in the flat ball pool actually seem to bob up and down - these are linked together by plank and rope climbing paths. One of our proudest achievements here is that we have managed to actually keep the balls moving and circulating.

The theme of quirky trees, bridges and huts is continued in the murals on the walls. Imagination and an emphasis on detail have been used to make it seem that both the Jungle and Mangrove Forest grow directly out of the walls, where lurks a jaguar, birds nestle in the branches and the view appears to go on forever. All three scenarios are connected by a stairway so that it is possible to move directly from one world to the other. Those in a hurry can take the well-concealed spiral slide and will find themselves within seconds back in the world of the here and now. But they'll need to take care among all the traffic whizzing about. If you're on the look-out for the post office, pizzeria or police station, you'll need to keep your eyes peeled as there is a wealth of distracting shop signs, street signs and display windows, not to mention the various traffic warning signs. Your vehicle's playing up? No problem, the garage is just over there! You'll find tools here and with a bit of luck someone who'll be able to make the necessary repairs. And while you're at it, don't forget to fill up at the petrol station next door … Role playing rapidly brings children together and brings this little town very much to life. The houses and streets are again extended by the imaginative murals on the walls providing the natural background to what playing actually involves - entering into other worlds and forgetting everything else."

 

Manuela Schwabe (spielart GmbH):

"Whenever Ketteler Hof issues a call for tenders, you can be sure that the project in question will be exciting and unusual. We were commissioned to design a space for the new indoor centre on the theme of the North Pole. Taking up the concept of being unusual and running with it, we decided it would be a good idea to send a submarine into the Arctic ice and bring a group of penguins north so they could at last make friends with the polar bears. A massive glacier invites the little explorers to discover this world of ice. And from the submarine, they'll discover how it was that an iceberg sealed the doom of the Titanic."

 

Klaus-Peter Gust (SIK-Holzgestaltungs GmbH):

"A journey across the globe is the ideal theme for a play space scenario. The playing children can move from one themed world to the next. From town, to mountains, over the sea and around the world and then up into outer space. Playing together with others enables children to readily learn. The complex interactions between nature, society and environment can be much more easily experienced during play than in the schoolroom. The new indoor centre at Ketteler Hof is an excellent example of how this can be achieved. It was 20 years ago that we began working with Thomas Reinicke in Bremerhaven on the creation of themed play worlds. And today, it is hardly possible to find a play feature that does not incorporate pirates, Jedi knights, princesses, dragons and the like in authentic and natural forms showing that our approach is in the ascendant and has put the standardised, same-old metal equipment playground concept on the run. Naturally grown and untreated Robinia wood has become the material of choice for making playground equipment, something that all manufacturers - however large they may be - cannot disregard. Robinia wood is very hard and durable, while its grain, crookedness and growth characteristics mean that there is no other material that has such ideal prerequisites for the creation of individual and imaginative play features. This is now acknowledged by parks departments, landscape designers and even leisure park operators. Against this background, about a year ago, the owners of Ketteler Hof decided to invite the most creative designers and manufacturers of playgrounds to use their insights and skills to come up with ideas for new play attractions for little heroes, explorers and environmentalists. Each design team worked on one or more scenarios. In collaboration with the various design teams, the owners have managed to incorporate all the concepts under one roof, where children can now discover the whole world through play. We were given the task of bringing a little bit of outer space down to earth at the Ketteler Hof. We had an area of some 1350 m² available in which to confine the infinities of space. There is no more exciting experience for children than to be able to explore outer space where there is no up and no down and everything is always in motion. We decided that we would have a UFO approaching a landing on our planetary system. Five sphere-shaped planets hover in the space and are linked by bridge structures. When the little astronauts leave the UFO at a height of 5 m above the floor, they'll soon discover what it is that holds the universe together and experience the vastness of outer space. But you cannot plan for the way children play in advance - their imagination and creativity are as infinite as outer space itself. As play world designers, we can only provide the framework for their (hopefully) development-enhancing activities. The words that, 250 years ago, Goethe put in the mouth of the 'Manager' in the 'Prelude in the Theatre' to his tragedy of Faust are still relevant to what we try to undertake today:

 

Upon our German stage, you know it,

Each tries his hand at what he will;

So, take of traps and scenes your fill,

And all you find, be sure to show it!

Use both the great and lesser heavenly light —

Squander the stars in any number,

Beasts, birds, trees, rocks, and all such lumber,

Fire, water, darkness, Day and Night!

Thus, in our booth’s contracted sphere,

The circle of Creation will appear,

And move, as we deliberately impel,

From Heaven, across the World, to Hell!

 

With this in mind, we would like to wish Ketteler Hof success and enjoyment with its fantastic new play worlds."

 

 

Photo: Julian Eichenhofer, Johannes Hiltrop (Freizeitpark Ketteler Hof)