Broadacre School’s Bountiful Playground

---

Broadacre School’s Bountiful Playground

In 2022, Broadacre Primary School, part of the Humber Educational Trust, welcomed over 550 students through its doors. Recognising the importance of outdoor play and learning in a child’s development, the school wanted to create a playground that catered to the diverse needs of its students. To initiate this process, the school arranged to meet their local Playdale Area Manager for a free, no-obligation design and consultancy meeting. Scaled plans, detailed quotations, and colourful 3D visuals were drawn up and tweaked along the way to meet the school’s brief and budget.

Design elements

The school envisioned a playground that promotes play and fosters learning. To achieve this a dedicated space for outdoor learning was essential. The design included Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 playground equipment, ensuring age-appropriate play experiences. In addition, a focus on inclusivity was crucial, with the integration of inclusive design elements to accommodate children of all abilities.

Layout and movement

One of the unique requirements of Broadacre Primary School was to create a non-linear space, encouraging children to move freely from one area to another. The design team carefully planned the layout to ensure a dynamic and interconnected space, promoting exploration, learning, and diverse play experiences throughout the playground—this fluid design aimed to stimulate creativity and social interaction among students of all ages.

Themed surfacing

To enhance the overall experience, the playground surfacing was themed to reflect the local area. Using coloured bonded rubber mulch safety surfacing can enhance and ‘bring to life’ a theming. Using a variety of blues and greens the design incorporated the iconic River Humber situated approximately 5 miles from the school, along with adjacent houses lining its banks. A canyon bridge was strategically placed over the river symbolising the local geography and creating a visually engaging play element that represents the Humber Bridge. These subtle features significantly enhance the overall play experience. The exceptional surfacing, mirroring the local environment, was carried out by DCM Surfaces whom we have a close working relationship.

The implementation of the playground equipment at Broadacre Primary School has successfully created a vibrant outdoor space for both learning and play. The combination of learning shelters, age-appropriate playground equipment, and inclusive elements including an Inclusive Orbit Roundabout, Gravity Bowl, Play Panels, and junior multi-play unit with inclusive access, has provided a space where all students can play together. The non-linear design encourages exploration and movement, fostering a sense of freedom and creativity among the students.

The themed surfacing, inspired by the River Humber, not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also connects the playground to the local environment, creating a unique and memorable experience for the students.

Broadacre Primary School now boasts a playground that aligns with its commitment to provide a space that balances play and learning for its students.

If you are feeling inspired and would like to discuss any aspect of your school playground project with your local Playdale Area Manager, we’d love to meet you!  

---