A lot of Timber in Stockport

Reddish Vale Nursery wanted to refresh their existing play area and bring some new aspects of learning to keep their pupils active. We worked alongside the school to create a design of the area which they were happy with and the it was time to start digging!

The first part of the project was to remove over 700 old log rounds so we could fit new treated timber sleepers. The Nursery really liked their existing layout around the pathway, the new Timbers were to increase the lifespan of this part of the area, it also allowed us to create a castellated effect. Timber Sleepers are ideal for creating planters and dividing play areas up into sections, just like we did here around the seating area.

Installation:

Completed sleepers:

During the installation of the Timber Sleepers, we removed the existing Thermoplastic Markings, which were ready for a refreshing burst of colours, from some new Educational Markings. The removal of the Markings then allowed us to apply the Acrylic 'Back to Black' paint. The black background makes the colours from Thermoplastic Markings' pop. Once the Acrylic paint had been left to properly set we installed three Educational Thermoplastic Markings that the Nursery chose.

The next task on our list was to install a replacement trellis Archway. This style of archway was perfect for the sensory aspect of this new play area, over time the plants will wrap up the trellis sides of the arch and create a natural walkthrough for the pupils. We also installed Sleeper benches along side this which followed along the pathway.

The next task on the agenda was to install all the surfacing. We used 3 surfaces on the area in total. The first being Red Conipave, which is a mixture of rubber crumbs and coloured stone. Conipave is idea for pathways and areas that will see a lot of foot-traffic. The second surface we used was Wetpour, this was used on the benches to add a little cushion for the children to sit on. The final surface we used was Artificial Grass. We like to include as many different surfaces as possible to further add to the sensory element the Nursery were keen to promote.

The final part of the project was to install the Wavy Bridge. Reddish Vale wanted to include an element of challenge for their children, something that would work on balance and agility. We thought the perfect item for this would be perfect, as it ticks all the boxes, but also leans to the role play aspect and teamwork skills. One day it could be a trike ramp, the next a bridge suspended across the Grand Canyon - who knows what their wild imaginations could get up to!

This has been a great project from start to finish the Nursery made our job as easy as can be, they had plenty of ideas making the design process of this area very quick. All the hard work really paid off at Reddish Vale, the Nursery couldn't be happier with their new area and we look forward to working with them again in the future.