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Action-packed adventure trail for Herefordshire primary school

The brief

As part of their thriving outdoor curriculum, Kingstone and Thruxton Primary School wanted to rejuvenate an underused area adjacent to the playground by installing a new adventure play trail, as they were very keen to provide more opportunities to encourage physical development through play.

The plan

We worked closely with the school on their new adventure play trail and each piece was chosen to deliver maximum play value within the compact space. The large rectangular-shaped play trail includes a diverse range of climbing and clambering challenges, interspersed with tricky balancing routes.

The school wanted to ensure the new play area would last a long time and so opted for sustainable trail equipment made from recycled plastic as it doesn’t rot and requires virtually no maintenance, which is a real benefit for busy staff. Artificial sports grass was chosen as a durable surfacing option as it banishes mud and mess from being brought back into the classroom and means that children can play outside all year round, whatever the weather.

The result

Design and detail marks out this high quality adventure play trail. The school is impressed with the imaginative design of the individual challenges. Pupils’ particular favourites are the balance ball climber and the sprung balance beam. Pupils revisit these individual items often to practise their balance skills which really helps to build self-confidence as they see themselves improving and such innovative features add to the overall play appeal of the new play trail equipment.

Head Teacher Amy Preece recognises the importance of physical play at playtime and was keen to provide play equipment which provides both fun and challenge for pupils right up to year 6:
“Break times are a great opportunity for pupils let pupils run around and let off steam. As well as being a focus for fun in the playground, the new play trail equipment develops specific skills such as balance, strength and co-ordination, as well as providing the backdrop for a myriad of games the children have made up whilst using the kit.”

To install a similar adventure play trail and surfacing to this project would cost approximately £38,000 ex VAT.