Raf Lakenheath

In 2025, the US Air force sent out a tender asking 4 softplay manufacturers to deliver a softplay area for their US base at RAF Lakenheath. The softplay design team interpreted this with a stars and stripes theme. The vision was to create a softplay for both babies aged 0-2 and for children aged 2-11. After winning the softplay tender, our design team worked closely with the team at RAF Lakenheath to ensure the softplay design fit the standards of the building and Play Creations Ltd.'s thematic design choice of stars and stripes. Play Creations Ltd co-operated closely with the US Air force to ensure that the softplay manufacture balanced the visual design aspects alongside functionality, safety and standard compliance and play equipment durability. The concept was to incorporate lots of fun play areas to encourage physical activity and group play whilst also giving babies a safe play space to immerse themselves. One of the biggest hurdles the team at Play Creations Ltd faced was that the floor couldn't be drilled into, due to underfloor heating. Our team had to manufacture the play frame on a timber raft first before building the softplay up from there. The finished softplay installation delivered the intended outcomes in line with the customers specific requirements. The play equipment was interactive and manufactured for high-energy activity. Some of the main design features of this project included the vortex wheel, bespoke lighting and the dizzy disk with applique floorboards. The baby softplay area was considerately designed and offered a beautiful safe and interactive play environment for the younger users. This ensured the play space was inclusive across all age groups. Installation was completed efficiently by our expert design team and was seamlessly manufactured to fit within the venue. Play Creations Ltd has established a long and strong relationship with RAF Lakenheath, supporting the project with a 5 year long softplay maintenance plan. This package allows the play space to stay safe and functional in the years to come. The standout features, including the ariel glide and splat pad, the vortex wheel and the funky wedge floor allows a unique softplay experience for visitors. This project showcases Play Creations Ltd's ability to deliver a high-quality and uniquely tailored softplay environment whilst also meeting functional and aesthetic goals in a timely and cost efficient manner.