The brief
Plymouth Prep School wanted to enhance their playground to create an exciting and inspiring outside space for younger pupils, in particular, to promote physical and cognitive development and foster social skills and friendships.
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Ready, set, play: new eco-friendly playground for Plymouth Prep School
The plan
Colourful line markings transformed the blank canvas tarmac into a stimulating games area designed to promote pupil-led play and learning. To connect with the coastal location, a giant sandpit created a mini-beach for sensory play, complete with a removable shade sail for safe play during hot days. A bespoke adventure trail was designed to fit into a compact space next to the playground and incorporated lots of balancing and climbing challenges.
Previously, the school had been disappointed with how quickly wooden playground equipment had deteriorated, so were pleased when we suggested using hardwearing and long-lasting recycled plastic as the base material for the play trail equipment. Artificial grass safer surfacing was used to banish mud and mess during wet days as it provides an ideal all-weather surface so pupils can make the most of the outdoors, whatever the weather.
The result
The school successfully delivered their vision to transform this area into a vibrant play space, with a diverse range of play opportunities designed to stimulate physical activity, creativity and social interaction. Staff reported that the new improved playground has reinvigorated playtimes, as pupils explore new games and work together on sand sculptures. The adventure trail helps to build pupils’ self-confidence as they learn to navigate the equipment with increasing skill.
Inspired by the new playground equipment, staff incorporated the installation project into the curriculum, teaching pupils about the benefits of recycling and how waste products can be turned into something useful – using the new playground as an ideal real life example!
Director of Operations, Nick Bishop:
“Simon and his team have designed a bright and stimulating new play area and the whole process, from initial design through to post-installation inspection, has been so positive and professional. We had used the company previously for a smaller outdoor furniture project as their high quality seating was stand-out and we will definitely be using them again for future grounds improvement projects.”