Beaford Primary School has an idyllic setting in rolling Devon countryside and to make the most of their large outside space and as part of their commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, they wanted to install durable play and sports equipment to provide some fun and exciting physical challenges at break times.
Understandably this busy school wanted play equipment that was going to withstand heavy use and to be something they could ‘fit and forget’. Proper Playgrounds advised that recycled plastic was the ideal solution as it was very durable and virtually maintenance-free. An occasional power wash is all that is required to keep the play equipment in tip-top condition. We designed a bespoke recycled plastic play trail to fit in with the existing playground layout and added two different sized clamber log play frames to cater for all age ranges. To encourage pupils to create their own sporting challenges, a giant solar powered stop-watch was installed which the pupils relish – holding their own ‘Mini-Olympic Games’ and timed sporting events. On the edge of the playground we installed a goal wall to facilitate ball games such as football and hockey, plus a new triple netball post which allows lots of pupils to practice together at break times.
Pupils said that the new playground equipment had definitely made play times more fun and staff noticed immediately that more children are being active for longer so the play project has proved a resounding success.
