Raf Lakenheath

In 2025, the US Air Force issued a competitive tender to four leading soft play manufacturers to design a brand-new indoor softplay for their US base at Lakenheath. Play Creations successfully won the contact by delivering a vibrant, patriotic "Stars and Stripes" themed concept.

The softplay project's vision was to create an inclusive space for both babies aged 0-2 and for children aged 2-11. Following the tender win, our dedicated design team collaborated closely with the team at RAF Lakenheath to ensure the softplay design fit the standards of the building and Play Creations creative approach to indoor playgrounds. Play Creations collaborated closely with the US Air force to deliver a softplay manufacture that balances the visual design aspects alongside functionality, safety and standard compliance and play equipment durability. The final layout provides a diverse range of high-energy softplay zones to promote physical activity and exploration. Alongside this, a dedicated and secury sensory space for infants was designed.

The project presented a significant engineering hurdle: the buildings floor couldn't be drilled into or punctured due to the active underfloor heating system. To resolve this issue without compromising the structural safety of the building, our team at Play Creations engineered a custom solution.

This solution involved manufacturing the play frame on a timber raft first and then building the softplay up from there. Load distribution and assembly was carefully considered in every piece of the framework to ensure that the softplay would remain stable and be completely safe for the children using it. The completed softplay installation successfully delivered all required outcomes, satisfying the US Air Force's project specifications. The high-energy, interactive play equipment provides an inclusive space where children of all ages can play safely.

Some key features of this indoor softplay included:
• The Vortex Wheel, a feature designed to challenge childrens balance and coordination.
• The popular Dizzy Disc, upgraded with custom-applique floorboards to match the softplay projects design aesthetic.
• An inclusive baby area, a low impact sensory zone designed to keep babies safe and encourage early development

The softplay also features custom bespoke lighting to enhance the visual elements of the play area. Everything was fitted with precision and manufactured to the exact size and dimensions. Installed efficiently by our expert softplay installation team to seamlessly integrate it with the building layout. Play Creations has solidified our long term partnership with RAF lakenheath by complimenting this custom indoor softplay area with a comprehensive softplay maintenance plan. This care package ensures the high-traffic softplay remains entirely safe, compliant and fully functional for the years to come. We don't just build spaces, we protect them.

Packed to the brim with standout features like an Ariel Glide, Vortex Wheel and innovative funky wedge floor, the venue offers an unmatched, high-energy visitor experience. This project highlights our team's unqiue capabilities of blending custom design with functional durability, delivering all of this strictly on time and within the project's budget.