To create an engaging play space and outdoor classroom.
There was a very open brief to the development of this outdoor space at the school. It was a mainly grass area with plenty of cover from mature trees, but little in the way of play or learning activities.
Residential housing is also in close proximity and so low level, low impact items were most suitable to enhance this natural area, rather than turn it into a playground.
Natural colour and textures were added with the inclusion of a winding pathway using Indian stone sets, tegula paviors and natural stone resin bound aggregate. This gave clean access to the whole area and led to different areas of play and learning.
300mm diameter FSC timber stepping logs created an alternative route to the pathway and added another natural feature.
Raised beds provided planting areas that would include a natural screen from the main road, rubber mushroom seats and tables provided seating and an outdoor classroom for 20 children. Circular timber tree seats added further seating to allow a full class to use the area and be shaded by the tree canopy.
Freenote Eye Chimes were installed along with Xylophone, Bongo and Glockenspiel music panels to create a musical corner.
The only open area available was chosen to have low level timber balance equipment installed, with balance beams and swinging planks offering varying levels of challenge to the children.
One area of green wetpour rubber with tegula edging matching the pathway was created for multi use playhouse. The house allowed imaginative play in and around it, climbing challenges with handholds up and over the roof, and seating inside for shelter and social play.
Finally run of fencing was moved to increase the tarmac area available and a thermoplastic bike track, alphabet jumple and hopscotch were laid onto that playground.
Perimeter fencing, gates, gate alterations, tree stump removal, landscaping and returfing were all completed as part of the development.
The area has been transformed from an empty area next the school carpark into a engaging play space, an outdoor classroom with seating for more than 30 children and an improved green space that the local residents have already complimented.
Imaginative play, co-ordination and social play activities.
The professionalism of Massey and Harris is unquestionable. They listened to our brief and came back with a design that met all of our needs and much more. The difference the play area has made to the children has been amazing, the children cannot wait to get outdoors!
Alison White, St. Margaret's CE Primary School
Alison White, St. Margaret's CE Primary School
