In Leicestershire, we flexed our technical and physical muscle to create a hillside fitness-focused primary school playground. This space now features gym-inspired play equipment to help support the school’s Key Stage 1 and 2 PE curriculum. Despite soaring summer temperatures and the challenges of a sloping terrain, we delivered this wonderful project in just one week.

Rothley Playground

THE BRIEF

Playground or uphill climb? 

In the village of Rothley, we were asked to turn an empty hillside plot into a year-round fitness zone. The list of must-have features required for this playground included climbing equipment, balance bars and open spaces for running, jumping and playing – and every inch must be age-appropriate for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils. Lessons would be planned around the new play area, so it must be made to last and be spacious enough to welcome numerous children.

THE DESIGN

Outdoor gym: on your marks, go… 

We raced out of the starting blocks, presenting a design peppered with outdoor exercise equipment suitable for young children. Most importantly, the playground was designed for year-round use with safe surfaces and non-slip materials that could handle exposure to wet and cold conditions. A brown resin-bound rubber mulch surface was our favoured play area floor surface. With a full-body workout in mind, we suggested a spectrum of sporty playground equipment, ranging from monkey bars, to hurdles and a climbing net. Cool down sessions could take place on sections of wooden benches, which would help to boost the school’s existing outdoor seating. 

THE RESULTS

Exercising young minds and bodies

Everybody loves the new playground, from the excited school children to the delighted school PE staff who briefed us in. Children lept into action to try out their play equipment. The climbing nets and a custom-made zig zag traverse wall are huge hits with the school, where pupils have been inspired to use their bodies in different ways – all thanks to our Playscape outdoor gym.