As part of its multi-year investment plan, the city of Douai allocated a substantial budget to improve the quality of the living environment in priority districts, in particular the Résidence Gayant area. Home to over 3,000 residents, this densely populated district has a particularly high population of young people and families. This area close to the city centre has a multi-use games area which is often used by older teenagers and adults, leaving an unmet need for younger children.
In response to this demand, the city launched a participatory process that involved secondary school pupils and volunteer residents in the design concept. These working meetings helped to define a clear need: a fun, free and accessible sports and play area for children and juniors encouraging independent physical activity. This initiative reflects the city of Douai’s aim to develop an “active town” where sport promotes social connection and shared well-being.
To meet this aim, on an area of over 150 square metres, Proludic designed an ACTI’Ninja trail tailored to the needs of children from 6 to 12 years of age. This design consisting of six different obstacles provides a perfect response to the town’s objective: to provide the young people of the district with an autonomous and free access sports area. The wet-pour surface with bright colours and geometric shapes adds an extra fun dimension that encourages users to challenge themselves while having fun.
As a reminder, ACTI’Ninja trails are obstacle courses inspired by the television programme Ninja Warrior. They consist of obstacles which can be linked together and that need to be overcome using strength, balance, endurance or flexibility. Each person progresses at his or her own pace or tries to beat the stopwatch triggered at the starting line: depending on the sports targets and usage context.
Feedback – Customer testimonials
Since the opening of the facility to the public, we have found that the concept has resonated with young people. One example of the success of the development is children and parents taking new pedestrian paths to stop off at the sports area on the way home from school for a snack and to play with friends. It is a place to meet up with friends and have fun. And older kids can have fun too and take on reasonable challenges. This a place that young people and families make their own, respect and use every day.
Marie Delattre – Deputy Mayor of Douai
