Perfect-fit playgrounds for Hampshire Federation Schools

The brief

Wallisdean Federation which is made up of three schools (Wallisdean Pre-School, Wallisdean Infant and Wallisdean Junior) had ambitious plans to reimagine the outside space at all three schools through a series of tailor-made grounds improvement projects which took place over a number of years.

The plan

At Wallisdean Infants we designed a number of bespoke schemes using durable recycled and new plastics to fit within existing spaces at the site. Projects included:

A sensory garden which featured high quality outdoor musical instruments and bespoke planters so pupils can grow their own fruit and vegetables.
A bespoke play boat which was built on site to ensure a perfect fit into an awkward-shaped space.
A gravel-effect all weather pathway provided a terrific trike run through a nature area.
A bespoke triple play tower in the school colours of red and blue, designed in a linear shape to save space on the main playground.
A bespoke outdoor kitchen and a play tractor were installed in the nature area to encourage imaginative role play among the younger pupils.

Wallisdean Pre-School wanted to encourage the development of physical co-ordination skills therefore a double play tower, again in the school colours of red and blue, was installed to provide a range of climbing and balance challenges.

At Wallisdean Junior School exciting playground projects included:

An all-weather multi-use games area complete with artificial sports grass surfacing was installed to enable pupils to practice ball sports safely, whatever the weather.
A bespoke tree seat made from recycled plastic utilised the natural shade provided by the mature tree.
A large play wall with an exciting electronic reactions game on one side and a bespoke climbing traverse on the other, made a big impact in the school entrance area.
A large and challenging stainless steel climbing frame provided adrenalin-fuelled play for Key Stage 2 pupils.
Planters and picket fences made from recycled plastics were used to create quieter social zones away from the busy playground.
Installing a colourful ‘daily mile’ track was designed to encourage pupils to become more active and staff reported that the ‘track run’ was now firmly embedded into the school routine.

In keeping with the Federation’s sustainable ethos, we undertook a large refurbishment programme to give old outdoor furniture a new lease of life. These before and after photos of the refurbishment projects show how modest changes have transformed the playground into a bright and inviting space:

Broken wooden planters were replaced with rot-proof bespoke plastic planters

Rotten wooden slats and flaking paint on the benches were transformed with bright bold recycled plastic profiles

An ugly concrete wall is cladded in the school colours and provides a bright goal end and seating area

The result

The new improved grounds have played a key role in providing a high quality outdoor curriculum across all the schools and the facilities provide a rich play experience for all ages of pupils.

Executive Head Teacher of Wallisdean Federation, Sandra Cammish was enthusiastic about the school grounds' transformation:

“It has been great to work in partnership with Proper Playgrounds on a number of play projects over the years, as their advice and expertise has been really helpful. We have embraced the use of recycled plastic as not only is it good for the environment to utilise waste products, it has proved excellent value as the materials more than cope with the rigours of playtimes and maintenance costs are minimal. As the plastic play equipment and outdoor furniture does not rot, we have future-proofed our outdoor spaces for many years to come.”