The Cuddly Playground is a place where kids can go wild. Of course, you can say it’s just another playground for the children, but this one is different. The concept alone is entertaining as it tells the story of Kayko and Kokosh with Cuddly the dragon. This public space is inspired by the animated series created by a resident of Sopot, Poland, who has become famous for his comic book series.
BUDCUD teamed up with Iza Rutkowska to make the playground concept a reality. The project is of a playground and public space that can be considered as public art. It takes advantage of creative spatial forms and practical design that deliver a playful narrative.
Designers: BUDCUD + Iza Rutkowska
The designers’ inspiration for the playground was the Mirmiłowo village, where the characters Kajko and Kokosz live. It features green wooden beams shaped like a silhouette of Cuddly the dragon. The Cuddly Playground features different zones where children can play and develop their psychomotor skills. The whole place is meant for the development and enjoyment of the children and even the adults who will be looking after them.
The Cuddly Playground is an exciting space for children who like outdoor adventures. Its total floor space is 274sqm, large enough for many children to enjoy the playground. If you’re familiar with the animated series, you will notice a lot of elements like the Slavic warriors at the entrance. There is the Mirmiłowo area where they can jump on the trampoline or swing on wooden platforms. Climb up the hill made of stumps and go down the slide. There are rubber EPDM surfaces on different areas in the playground for kids’ safety.
The Cuddly appears to be a large sculpture that you can play and interact with. The playground is meant to be explored by the bid kids and adults. Feel free to do anything like climb, slide, drum, jump, and swing. You’ll never run out of activities to do—the only limit is your imagination.
BUDCUD has described the Cuddlly as a sensory stimulation toy. It offers different kinds of experiences and learning, allowing kids to learn color composition and haptic experiences in other areas. Inside the belly of the creature is a cave that can be accessed through the tail. There is a net platform where the children can rest and lounge once they’re tired of playing.
The designers made sure the playground is environment-friendly with sustainable materials and elements. Even the rubbers surfaces are “green” as they are made of fine wood chips. Everything about the Cuddly Playground allows kids to exercise their creative cooperation skills and practice imagination.
