Playdale Playgrounds has been selected as one of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s Business Heroes, celebrating the Chamber’s 25th anniversary.
The campaign shines a spotlight on Chamber members from across the county. This isn’t a definitive list – there are many other great businesses we could have included – but a celebration of just some our many fantastic members making a difference to Cumbria.
Based in Cumbria, Playdale is the UK’s leading designer, manufacturer and installer of outdoor playground equipment. The company has created more than 27,000 playgrounds across the UK and in more than 50 countries, supporting schools, nurseries, local authorities, community groups, housebuilders and leisure operators.
While Playdale Playgrounds was established in 1978, its family-owned heritage stretches back to 1735, spanning nine generations of the Croasdale family.
Over almost three centuries, the business has evolved from coopers, hoopers, woodmongers and timber merchants into an international playground manufacturer. Throughout that journey, craftsmanship, quality and a willingness to embrace change have remained at its heart.
Today, Playdale continues to combine traditional expertise with innovation, creating safe, inclusive and engaging spaces where children of all ages and abilities can play, learn and thrive.
The company’s international growth has been one of its greatest challenges – and proudest achievements. Playdale now operates across 52 countries, with its teams travelling to more than 60 countries and taking over 1,200 flights to build relationships, understand new markets and bring its playgrounds to communities around the world.
“We’re in the business of creating smiles – for our people, our customers, our suppliers and, most importantly, the children who play on Playdale playgrounds every day,” the company said.
Playdale estimates its playgrounds help create around 60 million smiles every day across the world.
Its commitment to making a positive difference also extends to sustainability. The company has been on a formal sustainability journey since 1998, with an ambition to become carbon neutral by 2037. Since 2022, it has achieved a 26% reduction in Scope 1 emissions and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.
Playdale also supports local good causes through fundraising, volunteering and the skills of its employees, while continuing to invest in its people and community.
Innovation remains central to its future, with the recent launch of its new Story Dens range, designed to support imaginative play for children of all ages and abilities.
Looking ahead, Playdale plans to continue growing its presence in the UK and internationally, strengthening partnerships and investing in its people, products and innovation.
For Barry Leahey MBE, President of Playdale Playgrounds, the company’s greatest achievement is its people.
“Seeing individuals develop, grow in confidence and progress in their careers is one of the most rewarding parts of my role,” he said.
As Playdale continues its global journey, its roots remain firmly in Cumbria – demonstrating how a family business with centuries of heritage can continue to innovate, grow and make a positive difference around the world.
Its advice to other businesses is simple: never stop learning and never stop growing your network.
