UK Play Area Equipment Specialists
Inspiring young minds
Published on
Mundella Primary School in Folkestone got in touch with us to give their play area a refresh. An interesting fact about their playground is that half of it is above an old WW2 bunker, which means that nothing can be fixed into the ground in this area and all play equipment has to be freestanding.
We started off by removing all previous playground marking with vapour blasting to give ourselves a clean slate. In the section above the WW2 bunker, we decided to install two chatterbox dens – which are always firm favourites with the children – a freestanding tunnel and mound as well as four planters.
For the designated sports area, we installed a removable basketball post to make it suitable for other sports as well. We covered the entire area in leisure grass, which is artificial grass suitable for sport surfaces due to its lower pile height. We then surrounded this sporty space with four planters with seating areas to separate the different playground areas.
Next we installed our popular Trosnant climbaround with artificial grass surfacing. Climbing frames encourage children to use their entire bodies while playing. They develop their motor skills while balancing, stretching, hanging, climbing, leaping and using their core muscles for stability.
This Trosnant climbaround included a rope weaver, trapeze rings, a hanging vine traverse and a twin rope traverse. For the four corners of the climbaround we added our own bespoke elements, designed specifically for this playground. They included a mini scramble net, a mini rope balance, a mini twin rope traverse, a hanging vine balance, a mini rope weaver, a mini hanging vine traverse, twin curved tumble bars and a traverse wall. Plenty of climbing, balancing and fun to be had here!
Not to forget the more cultural side of playtime, we installed a covered raised stage with benches at the far side of the play area for presentations, productions and special storytime. As the stage area was raised, we fixed balustrades around the sides of the stage to keep budding performers safe.
Finally, we completed this grand project with colourful playground markings that included:
The children returned to school to find their completely revamped and exciting new play area waiting for them, and they were suitably impressed!
How do you transform the lives of children in a single phone call? Well, in my opinion, it is quite simple, call Playspaces. And, although this may seem like an over-the-top statement, believe me, it isn’t.
Breaktimes at Mundella Primary School, no matter how hard my brilliant team worked, have always been underwhelming. Our tired and outdated playground markings, as well as repeated investments in play area equipment and improved and accessible storage, hardly impacted upon the outcomes of pupils and struggled to meet expectations for physical activity beyond PE lessons.
A group of pupils, parents and staff, from Mundella Primary School, got together and looked at what was needed and what was possible on our healthy but still limited budget. Armed with all of the information, Lauren Wharmby, one of our dedicated Deputy Headteachers, coordinated with the team at Playspaces and, fast forward just a few short months, our playground has been transformed into a well organised space that promotes activity, engagement, creativity, collaboration and calm.
From our initial consultations, design proposals, discussions, amendments and design finalisation, through the swift and collaborative construction and realisation, to the supportive communication provided afterwards; I cannot fault the way in which the team at Playspaces soon became part of the family at Mundella.
The children now have a playground to be proud of and will enjoy a breadth of experiences that they deserve. A single phone call, many, many transformed lives.
Mundella Primary School is a one form entry academy and part of the Veritas MAT family of schools. It is proud to serve a coastal community and promote improved life chances for the children and families in Folkestone.
