Playground with Character: Lippstadt’s New Climbing Duck

(eap) A municipal project in the German town of Lippstadt demonstrates that themed playgrounds are an attractive design element not only for amusement parks and other leisure facilities. A new play area manufactured by PLAYPARC has been created in the heart of the “Grüner Winkel” municipal park, with a 6.5-metre-high climbing duck on the banks of the River Lippe as its centrepiece.

Inside the play structure, NEOLINI^® climbing nets provide a variety of opportunities for physical activity and play. Those who reach the duck’s head are rewarded with sweeping views before returning to the ground via a curved tube slide. The design references both the site’s immediate proximity to the river and the egg-shaped border surrounding the play area, which is why it has long been known as the “duck egg”.

Photo: Courtesy of PLAYPARC

However, the climbing duck is just one element of the overall concept, which caters to different age groups and places particular emphasis on playing together. An inclusive water-and-sand play area with a wheelchair-accessible ramp allows children with and without disabilities to share the experience. The offering is complemented by a small playhouse for younger children, stepping posts designed to resemble reeds and a small bird’s-nest swing, all of which continue the nature-inspired design concept.

The project reflects an approach that is already well-established in the leisure industry: Individually designed playgrounds not only provide opportunities for play and physical activity but can also become eye-catching features and recognisable landmarks. Combined with inclusive facilities and theming tailored to the location, they enhance the quality of the visitor experience and create additional reasons to visit – both at leisure destinations and in public spaces.

Reading tip: Explore some latest concepts for modern play worlds in our special feature “PLAY Worlds – PLAY Spaces”, published in EAP 2/2026. ■