Park hammocks

Park hammocks are an unusual but increasingly popular feature of relaxation zones in public spaces. They give parks and green areas a relaxed, laid-back feel and help a space stand out from standard street furniture. They suit city parks as well as recreational areas on housing estates and in residential complexes.

We install the hammocks on durable steel frames anchored in the ground or in a hard surface. This removes the need to hang them between trees and allows the relaxation zone to be placed wherever it is needed. The fabric resists UV radiation and moisture, so it keeps its colour and strength through many seasons of outdoor use. Hammocks bring a touch of relaxation to the street furniture range, alongside more traditional loungers and benches.

The fabric of a park hammock is usually made of acrylic or coated polyester. These materials resist fading and mould even with regular exposure to moisture. This is important because a hammock in a public space stays outdoors for the whole season, whatever the weather.

Park hammocks designed for public spaces usually have a higher permitted load than garden models intended for private use. The structure must withstand heavy, repeated use by different people throughout the day, including times when more than one person uses the hammock at once.

The area around a hammock should be designed with safe falls in mind. An impact-absorbing surface, similar to those used under playground equipment, reduces the risk of injury if someone loses their balance getting into or out of the hammock. This is particularly important in areas that children also visit.

Hammock zones work best in partly shaded spots, under deciduous trees or next to pergolas. Shade stops the metal frame from heating up in full sun and makes the hammocks more comfortable to use on hot days, without the need for an extra canopy.

Seasonal maintenance is usually limited to regular checks of the frame fixings and the condition of the fabric. In regions with harsh winters, some green space managers remove just the fabric for the winter and leave the steel frame in place, which extends the life of the fabric.

The fabric colour can be matched to the colour scheme used in a particular park or housing estate. This lets this unusual feature fit into a consistent, pre-planned colour concept for the whole recreational space.