Town: Marseille (France)
Location: Parc de La Denise

The Parc de La Denise in Marseille (11th district) is an exceptional natural space of 2.7 hectares with a rich history that makes it a symbol of the local heritage. This rare area of biodiversity is being restored as part of a project by the Departmental Council. The new designs include an accessible play area and a trim trail.

A site divided into 2 parts

1 – A play area for children from 2 to 12 years of age

Covering 430 square metres, the play area consists of 13 items of play equipment and over 70 play features. It has capacity for more than 120 children.

The structures are installed on a wet pour floor with themed decorations: ears of wheat, leaves, flowers, etc. All the play equipment and the surfacing reflect the theme of nature, inspired by the flora and fauna of the park.

The centrepiece of the play area is a customised multi-activity structure from the Kanopé range. The main component of the structure is the tree tower, rising up to almost 7 metres and looking down over the park. Adjacent to the tower, a balancing trail leads children to the play house, where very young children can create imaginary worlds. Accessible from 3 years of age, this large structure has over 33 play features: 3 slides, 2 climbing walls, 2 sliding poles, a rope ladder, play panels, an angled gangway, a net tunnel, a spider net and more.

Other complementary play equipment is installed around the main structure, including:

  • A 100% inclusive multi-purpose Diabolo Baby structure suitable for young children. It incorporates a series of components designed to stimulate learning and motor skills: a slide 60 cm from the ground to discover the joys of sliding, a suspended bridge, a balancing trail and lots of play panels. A long ramp provides access to the structure for children with reduced mobility.
  • A pod swing for safe group play.
  • A trampoline, an essential item in playgrounds and a firm favourite with youngsters. Positioned at ground level, it allows easy access for children in wheelchairs and enables them to discover the sensation of bouncing.
  • Springers with simple, evocative shapes for very young children: a duck, a rabbit, a horse and a hay cart, suitable for people with reduced mobility.

2 – A trim trail

Trim trails provide an ideal framework for outdoor workouts. The trail designed for the Parc de La Denise incorporates different stations with apparatus for various physical exercises.

The trail is suitable for all ages and levels. It consists of 3 loops of varying difficulty, with gradually increasing effort:

  • The 1st loop consists of equipment that is accessible for people with reduced mobility;
  • The 2nd loop is designed for intermediate fitness enthusiasts;
  • Experienced athletes can then move on to the 3rd loop, the difficult level.

All the areas designed by Proludic are integrated in a setting suitable for all users: families with children and pushchairs, the elderly, sports enthusiasts and people with reduced mobility. The Parc Départemental de La Denise is a great place for community life.

Information panels and furniture components (fences, gates, benches) have been installed in the park and play area:

  • The history of the Parc de la Denise, located at the entrance
  • General map of the park and the trim trail, located at the entrance to the park
  • Panel at the entrance to the play area showing the play equipment, age groups, accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility and connections to the history of the park and its environment

The parc de La Denise has become a very popular destination for local residents since its redevelopment, a unique space where people from all walks of life can meet, share and forge social links.

The result is a fun, sporty and family-friendly facility that is accessible for all generations and a very pleasant space for visitors.