Approximately half of all pupils attending Alma Primary School live in the four high rise blocks that are situated close by which means that many of the children do not have easy access to open play space. The brief for the project was to incorporate enough play elements that would challenge the children each time they use it. It also had to blend into the natural green environment and incorporate as many natural features as possible.
Alma School was one of the first school Play Gardens in the UK to install a Complex Climbing Structure. The huge climbing frame challenges the students to get from top to bottom, side to side; in and out....the list is only limited by your imagination. The cargo netting tests the children's balance and coordination skills to the max.
Different textures have been used on the Play Garden including both sand and wood. A fantastic water feature including a water wheel has been built into one of the sand pits encouraging naturally inquisitive children to discover engineering from this early age!
Commenting upon the new Play Garden design Janice Feavearyear, Headteacher, Alma School says, "Being in an urban area we wanted to build a play area that maximised the available space. We wanted something that would encourage the development of social, personal, physical and emotional development of the children at this crucial age. The new Play Garden gives plenty of opportunity for interaction with other children whilst at the same time offers many problem solving scenarios. It has been a great hit with the children"
Playgarden Design and Resources Ltd has been launched by Paul Collings, Managing Director, who is also the face behind Playgarden's successful sister company, Timberplay. Playgarden is an online service - www.playgardens.co.uk offering outdoor play solutions. The company will purposefully target nurseries, pre-schools and primary schools with solutions designed specifically to address their play needs.
To find out more call 0114 282 1285 or visit www.playgardens.co.uk
