Randall Thorp have been designing the play areas at Cambourne since 1998. Following publication of Play England’s research from the national Play Builder programme and as a result of our own experience of play area design, the area at Upper Cambourne adopted a more innovative approach to play. Working closely with the Parish Council and the local community, it was agreed to incorporate water play and sand play elements as well as do away with the traditional play area fencing. The resulting scheme has been described as best practice by BALI, Horticulture Week and External Works magazine.