Timber playground equipment for LAP, LEAP and NEAP play areas. Ideal for housing developments, councils and community play spaces across the UK.
Durable timber playground equipment built to UK safety standards EN1176.
Design and professional Installation service with our own expert team.
Active Garden designs and supplies LAP, LEAP and NEAP play areas for housing developments, schools, parish councils and landscape projects across the UK.
Our play equipment is suitable for Local Areas for Play (LAP), Local Equipped Areas for Play (LEAP), and Neighbourhood Equipped Areas for Play (NEAP) and complies with relevant BS EN 1176 safety standards.
We work with developers, landscape architects and local authorities to deliver durable timber playground equipment suitable for planning requirements.
From commercial climbing frames, clamber stacks and adventure trails to play frames, roundabouts, inclusive play equipment and swing sets.
What Are LAP, LEAP & NEAP Play Areas?
LAP – Local Area for Play
Located within a 1-minute walk of a primary pedestrian route.
Designed for children aged 6 years and under.
Minimum 100m² activity area with a 5m buffer zone from neighbouring properties.
Perimeter fencing of at least 600mm in height for safety.
Seating provided for parents and guardians.
Features may include:
low level climbing frames
play panels
small slides
balance equipment
spring rockers
benches
A successful Local Area for Play (LAP) goes beyond simply meeting planning requirements. It should create a safe, welcoming, and engaging space that encourages regular use by young children and their families. With thoughtful equipment selection and an effective layout, even smaller sites can offer significant play value and a positive user experience.
Our team can help you select the most suitable equipment to create a balanced, compliant, and attractive play space tailored to your development.
LAP play area example
LEAP – Local Equipped Area for Play
Designed for children aged approximately 4–8 years, located within 400m of housing.
Within 5 minutes’ walk of a well-used pedestrian route.
Designed for children starting to play independently.
Provides a minimum of six play experiences across at least three play items.
Minimum 400m² activity zone.
Space for active play within the area boundaries.
Buffers: 10m from house boundaries, 20m from dwellings.
Fencing required if near a road for safety.
Includes seating for parents/guardians and litter bins.
Typical equipment:
climbing frames
clamber stacks
slides
balance trails
swings
benches
LEAP play area example
NEAP – Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play
Larger play spaces designed for older children and teenagers, normally serving a wider neighbourhood.
Within 15 minutes’ walk of a well-used pedestrian route.
Mainly for older children, with a designated area for younger users.
Offers at least eight play experiences across five or more play items.
Minimum 1,000m² activity zone.
Space for active play within the area boundaries.
30m buffer from the nearest dwelling boundary.
Fencing required if near a road for safety.
Includes seating for parents/guardians, litter bins, and secure bicycle parking.
Suitable for established communities.
Equipment often includes:
large climbing structures
swings and activity frames
challenging climbing elements
social play equipment
Play Equipment Suitable for LAP, LEAP & NEAP Areas
Examples you can link to products:
Timber climbing frames
Balance trails
Multi-tower play units
Swings and activity equipment
Inclusive play equipment
Clamber stacks
Themed play equipment
The play equipment we offer is widely used within housing developments and community play areas, offering natural timber structures that integrate well with landscaped environments.
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