Reviving a Classic: The Heritage Heights School Playground Transformation
When the Heritage Heights School Council and the Foothills School Division approached us about updating their playground in De Winton, AB, they didn’t just want something new—they wanted something smart.
The existing Blue Imp playground, originally installed in the early 2000s, was a testament to the durability of Canadian-made equipment. While many contractors might suggest a "tear out and replace" approach, BDI Play Designs took a different route. By combining sustainability with cutting-edge engineering, we managed to revamp the space, save the community money, and introduce one of the very first SteelCore DreamWeaver installations in North America.
The Challenge: A High-Stakes Puzzle
Working within an existing site footprint is always a challenge, but Heritage Heights added a few extra layers of complexity:
Existing Infrastructure: A critical gas line ran directly through the site.
Tight Parameters: We needed to integrate modern, large-scale climbers without infringing on safety zones.
Sustainability Goals: The school wanted to minimize waste by keeping their high-quality 2000s-era Blue Imp equipment.
Using advanced CAD software, we planned the space "to a T." To make the layout work, we performed a strategic "equipment swap"—moving a classic Divide-a-Slide to a different side of the structure and replacing it with an Inverter climber. This wasn't just a move for the sake of moving; it allowed us to create a seamless, functional link to the new DreamWeaver using a series of stepping saucers.
Spotlight: The SteelCore DreamWeaver™
The centerpiece of this project is the SteelCore DreamWeaver, a modern architectural marvel for kids aged 5-12. Standing as a focal point of the park, it features two massive 18-foot tilted steel frames connected by a high-tensile rope suspension bridge.
With planar nets, rock climbers on both ends, and rubber climbing spheres, the DreamWeaver offers a 360-degree play experience. It’s part of our mission at BDI to transition toward high-end, proprietary products like the SteelCore Rope System, which offers unmatched durability and "wow factor" for schools across North America.
A Lesson in Rigor: The Swing Retrofit
One of the most unique aspects of this project involved a legacy saucer swing on-site (a non-Blue Imp product). While the frame was solid, the ropes and hangers were in disrepair. With the original manufacturer’s parts being cost-prohibitive, BDI custom-built a solution using solid aluminum hangers and our proprietary SteelCore rope.
However, this project provided a pivotal moment for our safety standards. Shortly after installation, a weld on the rope tabs of the original seat failed.
The BDI Standard: We immediately returned to the site and re-designed the connection using a mechanical chain-link system that bypassed the welds entirely, relying on the seat's original structural points. More importantly, this incident changed how we approach even a basic retrofit. We introduced a mandatory policy: any custom or non-engineered retrofit must now be physically tested to the weights prescribed by the CSA Z614-20 standard before it ever leaves our shop. We don't just guess at structural integrity; we prove it.
Safety from the Ground Up: FallSAFE™ Surfacing
To complete the transformation, we removed the old, tired surfacing and installed our FallSAFE Pour-in-Place (PIP) rubber surfacing. For this project, the school opted for our economical black SBR surfacing, providing a sleek, professional look with world-class safety.
Most importantly, our FallSAFE system at Heritage Heights is rated for a Critical Fall Height of over 10 feet, ensuring that as students push their limits on the DreamWeaver, they are protected by the best tech in the industry.
A Heartfelt "Thank You"
We don't just build playgrounds; we build community spaces. The students at Heritage Heights were so excited about their new space that they featured us in a wonderful "Thank You" video:
WATCH: Heritage Heights Playground Grand Opening
The project has also been celebrated by local media, including the Western Wheel and Okotoks Online.