Case Study: Fairlawn Primary School – Trim Trail Installation, Bristol
- Absolute Play
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
📌 Project snapshot
Sector: Education
Age range served: KS1 & KS2
Key project drivers: Restricted by a tight budget. Replace an ageing climbing unit with a modern, engaging trim trail to support physical development, improve the appearance of the playground and maximise the use of the existing space and surfacing.
Equipment type: Timber Trim trail
Surfacing: Artificial Grass
Budget: £10-15k
Project summary - Trim trail installation
During the summer holidays, Absolute Play replaced an old and tired climbing unit with a new, purpose-built trim trail designed to provide exciting physical challenges for pupils.
While not a full playground redevelopment, this project demonstrates how smaller, focused improvements can still deliver significant impact and greatly enhance the play experience.
The brief
The existing climbing equipment had reached the end of its lifespan and no longer provided an engaging or suitable play experience.
The school wanted to:
Replace the existing unit with a modern alternative
Introduce greater physical challenge and variety
Improve the visual appearance of the space
Make best use of the existing playground footprint and surfacing
The works needed to be completed during the summer break to ensure the space was ready for the new school year.
Our solution
Our solution focused on introducing a compact but highly engaging trim trail that maximises play value within the existing space. By combining a range of balance, climbing and upper body challenges, the new equipment provides varied physical activity opportunities while working seamlessly with the existing playground layout.
Key equipment:
Linked Timber Trim Trail 2, featuring:
Balance beams with rope support
Tarzan traverse
Rope weaver net
Log roll
Stepping posts
Rope walk
Rope weave
Monkey bar log, adding upper body strength and coordination challenge
Design approach:
With a limited footprint available, the focus was on maximising play value within the existing space. The trim trail was carefully arranged to create a continuous flow of movement, allowing pupils to progress naturally from one challenge to the next.
By working with the existing wetpour footprint and overlaying artificial grass, we were able to refresh the appearance of the area while keeping groundwork and disruption to a minimum. The result is a compact but highly effective space that delivers a wide range of physical play opportunities.
Materials & surfacing
To complement the new equipment and refresh the appearance of the area, play-grade artificial grass surfacing was installed over the existing base.
This provided:
Improved visual appeal
Low maintenance performance
Year-round usability
Localised wetpour repairs were also completed to ensure a safe and clean finish throughout the area.
All equipment was manufactured using durable, pressure-treated timber to ensure long-term performance.
Installation
The project was completed during the summer holidays to avoid disruption to the school.
Works included removal of the existing equipment, preparation of the area, installation of the new trim trail and surfacing improvements.
The project was delivered efficiently, ensuring the playground was ready for pupils returning in September.
The outcome
The new trim trail has completely revitalised this part of the playground, providing a modern and exciting physical play opportunity for pupils.
Despite being a relatively compact scheme, the variety of climbing and balance elements delivers excellent play value and supports physical development. This project highlights how targeted improvements can transform a space and extend the life and usability of an existing playground.
Looking to create something similar?
If you’re planning a new play or sports project and would like an early budget or design ideas, get in touch with our team.
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