Inclusive Playspace Development with Coloured Surfacing

OLP were delighted to be chosen to work with the Granta School, which is a South Cambridgeshire area special school that caters for students with a range of complex to severe learning disabilities.  They were keen to refresh and update an area of their outside space which was prone to getting extremely muddy.  Not only did this get traipsed into the school after playtime but unfortunately much of the equipment and surfacing was no longer compliant and there was very little in the way of inclusive equipment to encourage and stimulate the senses of the children.

Working closely with the school our deisgners mocked up some visuals of what the playground might look like, with the priorities being colourful surfacing, a trampoline and climbing equipment and a small tim trail, all of which had to be as inclusive as possible.

Our Seikan mound was an ideal alternative to the existing plastic tunnel and tyres.

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After

The Apple and Vine units allow children to interact with each other whilst challenging their own abilities of agility, strength and balance.

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An inground trampoline was installed where the old rotting seating (that was no longer usable) was situated, this has now added an extra dimension and new playspace.

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Our new Sensory Tunnel has been designed with inclusivity and interactive play in mind.  This has become the central focal point of this refurbishment project.  The multi-coloured poly-carbonate sides and roof provide visual stimulation and ever changing colour shadows on the floor.

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To finish off the area a mixture of different coloured wetpour safety surfacing was used to create an eye catching play area that allows the children to play and interact, as well as helping with the maintenance of the school - no more muddy shoes!  Brightly coloured play surfacing can help stimulate creativity and by making it visually appealing and fun it encourages interaction.

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The school were very keen to have a trim trail but space was very limited due to the trampoline.  The solution in the end was a Mini Peaks Trim Trail.   This incorporates 9 elements of free standing moveable blocks.  They are constructed from artificial grass, Treadsafe and recycled Stokbord and provide a variety of sensory opportunities as well as promoting balance and agility.