North Lodge Park Playbridge
Project Overview
Project: Innovative Play Bridge to Unify Separate Park Areas
Client: Friends of North Lodge Park
Contract value: Undisclosed
North Lodge Park in Cromer opened to the public in 1929. Originally built as a private residence, it was subsequently bought by the local Council, who converted the lodge into offices, and opened the lawned gardens as a park. A popular community amenity from the outset, over time additional land and facilities were donated by residents or purchased by the Council to enhance the area, creating a main and upper park, a boating pond, and cafe. Somewhat neglected over the years, the Friends of North Lodge Park (FNoP) was formed to revive the whole space, with key priorities being the creation of accessible play facilities for children and an obvious link between the main and upper parks.
Play Bridge, North Lodge Park, Cromer
Daniel Connal Partnership supported the FoNLP with project management and quantity surveying services for this innovative scheme, working closely with North Norfolk District Council to achieve the desired outcome.
The playbridge, a level access 60m ramped zig-zag walkway, links the two park areas. Designed by Area Landscape Architects, the bridge incorporates play elements— a slide, climbing wall and play panels—as well as seating and a viewing platform.
The materials and appearance of the playbridge have been designed to harmonise with existing features of the town. The timber boardwalk reflects Cromer’s wooden pier and the zig-zagging of the bridge echoes the paths down to the beach from the cliff tops along Cromer’s seafront.
The North Lodge Park playbridge project completed on time and on budget.