GoPlay Crew is on a mission to deliver high-quality, safe, and sustainable playgrounds to commercial and recreational spaces across Fiji.
The company specialises in designing playground equipment tailored to withstand the local climate and bring enjoyment to children in the Pacific region.
GoPlay’s Director, Simon Lovell, who began working in playgrounds in New Zealand in 1998, says he was introduced to the product by his mentor.
“We were managing playgrounds for big names like McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s, and Bunnings in New Zealand before I took over the business last year.”
Since then, Lovell has been visiting Fiji monthly, working closely with clients to establish playgrounds in resorts and public spaces.
“I love Fiji,” Lovell said, “and I’m excited to bring something special for the children here.”
GoPlay Crew’s focus is also on safety, by adhering to rigorous standards.
“We work to the European safety standard, a globally recognised benchmark,” said Lovell.
He described the company’s approach to enclosed playgrounds, which minimise the risk of falls.
“The highest you can fall in any part of our playground is half a metre, whereas traditional playgrounds often require more fall distance, which increases surface area requirements.”
He added, “Nobody needs injuries, and safety has always been the main part of my business.”
The durability of GoPlay Crew’s equipment is also a key aspect of their design, with Lovell emphasising their commitment to sustainability.
“We use high-grade plastic that’s fully recyclable and built to last. It’s not unusual to see our playgrounds still going strong after 30 years,” he said.
The company is phasing out non-recyclable materials and using more aluminium, steel, and durable plastics.
“We’ve got to look after our beaches and everything else here,” Lovell remarked.
Currently, the GoPlay Crew is working on a major project at a Suva mall for the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
“There’s a large Tyrannosaurus rex in the shopping centre, and we’ve designed the playground around it,” Lovell explained.
Lovell states he even repaired the dinosaur, saying, “I came over and the dinosaur wasn’t working, so I pulled it apart and got it going again.”
The playground is expected to be completed by early December, promising a fun and unique experience for local children and visitors.
Lovell believes that delivering quality play spaces will enrich the experience for families coming to Fiji, particularly for resorts catering to tourists.
“We need to give children what they like,” he said.