Opening in Cumbernauld, Strathclyde this autumn is The Big Adventure, a totally new concept in children's play created for a Glasgow client by Warrington-based Design & Play.

At more than 750sq m in size and with four levels of play, the multi-coloured new attraction caters not only for children but adults as well - a total of 286 visitors - with its main feature being a series of multi-coloured slides.

These range from the death-defying drop slide of the Volcano, through tubes, helter skelters and spirals to the more sedate four-lane wavy slide of the Rainbow Surfer.

With separate areas for toddlers, under tens and over tens, the rationale behind The Big Adventure's innovative design is allowing families to have fun together with the added benefit of exercise.

Explaining, Design & Play's Managing Director, Aidan Dorman, says: "We have often been asked whether there is any provision for older children and adults with these play areas.

"It was a case of making it an exciting area, whilst obviously keeping within the safety constraints in force."

The company - a leading designer and installer of children's play areas and play zones and which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year - anticipates the new site being the start of a trend to larger, more exciting play areas, although it stresses that market growth is still in small/medium sized play areas.

In addition to design and installation, a full advisory service is offered, which covers operational issues such as set-up, marketing, training, child safety and security. Clients of the company include Total Fitness, Direct Holidays, the National History Museum and Wimbledon, in addition to local authorities and independent operators.

Design & Play can be contacted on +44 (0)1925 657571.