LAP, LEAP & NEAP
Your Partner in Play Area Planning & Supply
What are LAPs, LEAPs & NEAPs?
Laps, Leaps and Neaps are play areas of varying sizes and specifications, designed to provide safe, engaging outdoor spaces in residential and local communities. Laps, Leaps and Neaps give children opportunities to play close to home, with equipment and layouts tailored to the size of the area, the age of the users, and the surrounding environment.
Whether a small doorstep space or a larger neighbourhood destination, these areas are carefully planned to balance safety, accessibility, and fun, and that’s where we come in.
We work in partnership with play companies, developers, and designers to plan, specify, and deliver tailored solutions for every space.
LAPs are small, local spaces for young children
LEAPs are equipped play areas for everyday use
NEAPs are larger, destination spaces for wider communities
Play Elements Matter
Every LAP, LEAP or NEAP requires a certain number and variety of play elements to meet design standards and provide a fun, engaging experience for children.
To help you quickly assess the play value of our products, look for our Play Element Icons. You’ll find these icons on every product page, so you can quickly identify their features.
This way, whether you’re new to LAPs, LEAPs, and NEAPs or an experienced supplier, you can plan and specify equipment with confidence.
How we can help you
Backed by over 50 years of timber manufacturing expertise and producing play equipment for the trade, A E Evans is a trusted trade only supplier working with hundreds of partners across the UK, many of whom are RPII, CHAS, and API members.
We make specifying Evaplay equipment simple, providing the products, support, and technical information needed to confidently deliver LAP, LEAP, and NEAP projects.
What We Offer
- Extensive and growing range of play equipment.
- Products suitable for all budgets and scheme sizes.
- Bespoke design options available.
- Play Element Icons across all products.
- Visual examples to inspire your designs.
Technical Support
- 2D CAD files downloadable from our website.
- 3D CAD files available on request.
- Product data sheets available online.
- Designed to BS EN1176 standards.
- Various guarantee options available.
- FSC® accredited timber options available.
Built for the Trade
Our goal is to help trade partners create engaging, compliant play spaces with ease, making it straightforward to specify the right equipment for every project.
Our LAP, LEAP and NEAP Service Guide is available to download here
Contact us to learn more
Your partner in play area planning and supply
LAP
A successful LAP is more than just meeting planning requirements; it should provide a safe, engaging environment that encourages regular use by local families. By carefully selecting the right mix of play elements and layout, even compact spaces can deliver excellent play value.
Our team can help you choose the ideal equipment to create balanced, compliant, and welcoming local play areas.
- Within 1 minute’s walk of a main pedestrian route.
- For children 6 and under.
- 100m² activity zone with 5m buffer from nearby properties.
- Fence height 60cm+ for safety.
- Seating for parents/guardians.
Lap Example 02
Lap Example 03
LEAP
A successful LEAP should provide a balanced mix of play opportunities that encourage independence, physical activity, and social interaction. By carefully selecting the right combination of play elements and layout, these spaces can deliver long-term play value while creating an engaging environment for growing children and local families.
- Within 5 minutes’ walk of a well-used pedestrian route.
- Designed for children starting to play independently.
- Provides a minimum of six play experiences across at least three play items.
- Minimum 400m² activity zone.
- Space for active play within the area boundaries.
- Buffers: 10m from house boundaries, 20m from dwellings.
- Fencing required if near a road for safety.
- Includes seating for parents/guardians and litter bins.
Leap Example 02
Leap Example 03
Leap Example 04
Leap Example 05
Leap Example 06
Leap Example 07
NEAP
An effective NEAP should offer a wide variety of play opportunities that cater to a broad age range and encourage repeat use from the wider community. With larger spaces and more users to consider, thoughtful equipment selection and layout planning are key to creating a destination play area that remains exciting, inclusive, and well-used for years to come.
- Within 15 minutes’ walk of a well-used pedestrian route.
- Mainly for older children, with a designated area for younger users.
- Offers at least eight play experiences across five or more play items.
- Minimum 1,000m² activity zone.
- Space for active play within the area boundaries.
- 30m buffer from the nearest dwelling boundary.
- Fencing required if near a road for safety.
- Includes seating for parents/guardians, litter bins, and secure bicycle parking.
- Suitable for established communities.
Neap Example 02
