Who better to design a playground than the children who’ll play in it?
Design and installation of playground equipment for public parks in Saba, Caribbean, with a community-driven approach.
The Cove Bay public playground, on the island of Saba, is our second project on this small Caribbean island, commissioned by the Public Entity Saba (the Government of Saba). But what makes it special isn’t just the result — it’s how it came together. Because this playground was, quite literally, designed by the very people who would play in it.
How it started: children as designers
On Saba, space is always a puzzle — it’s a small, mountainous island where good playgrounds are scarce. So this project began in the best possible way: by listening. Through sessions at the school, children were asked what they wanted to see in their playground. The design was created by the real “experts” themselves. A townhall meeting rounded off that community engagement.
What we did: a nautical playground that makes the most of every metre
The result is a nautical-themed playground that speaks to its seaside setting. Children can climb aboard a pirate ship, play on the dolphin spring riders, balance on the octopus seesaw and enjoy new swings and slides.
We solved the space challenge with a simple, powerful idea: instead of taking over the main play area, we tucked the slides into the hillside. A small move that opened up so much more room to play — the space feels bigger now, even though it features more play equipment than before.
The way we work: community from start to finish
One of our favourite details: the picnic tables were built by students from Saba’s technical school, adding another layer of community involvement to the project from start to finish. This playground was made possible through our partnership with Jantje Beton and funding from the Postcode Loterij, together with the Government of Saba.
The result
Cove Bay reopened with a Family Fun Day that brought together children, families and residents to celebrate the new playground. On an island where quality play spaces are scarce and much needed, this playground is far more than equipment: it’s a place where Saba’s children imagine, move and make memories.
Need playground equipment for a public or municipal park?
At ACL Projects we design, supply and install playgrounds, water parks and outdoor fitness equipment for municipalities, public parks, schools, hotels and residential developments across the Caribbean. If you have a project in Saba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas or anywhere in the region, let’s talk.
