Case Study: The West Park Academy – FS1 & FS2 Playground Redevelopment, Nottinghamshire
- Absolute Play
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
📌 Project snapshot
Sector: Education
Age range served: EYFS
Key project drivers: Replace outdated and unsuitable play equipment, reconfigure the layout of both EYFS areas and create two complementary spaces that support sand, water, climbing and imaginative play.
Equipment type: Clamber Stack climbing unit, EYFS multi play unit, sand and water play equipment.
Surfacing: Play-grade artificial grass, wetpour surfacing and sand and water play zones.
Budget: £75k
Project summary - FS1 & FS2 Playground Redevelopment
Absolute Play completed a full redevelopment of both the FS1 and FS2 play areas at The West Park Academy, transforming two tired and poorly configured spaces into vibrant and engaging outdoor learning environments.
The project included full removal of existing equipment, installation of new surfacing and introduction of carefully selected play features designed specifically for early years pupils.
The brief
Both play areas contained a large amount of old equipment that was no longer fit for purpose and did not support the needs of the children or staff.
The school wanted to:
Remove ageing and unsuitable equipment
Reconfigure both spaces to improve flow and usability
Ensure FS1 and FS2 areas complemented each other
Introduce dedicated sand and water play zones
Provide climbing and physical play opportunities
The aim was to create two cohesive spaces that supported a wide range of early years activities.
Our solution
Our solution focused on completely redesigning both spaces to create clear, functional and engaging environments.
Each area was carefully planned to provide a balance of physical, sensory and imaginative play.
Key equipment
Clamber Stack climbing unit
EYFS multi play unit
Large sand play areas
Water play equipment
Freestanding imaginative play features
These elements provide varied play opportunities suitable for different stages of development.
Design approach:
The design centred around creating two distinct but complementary play environments.
Outdated equipment was removed to open up the space and improve overall usability.
Each area was zoned to support specific activities, including climbing, sand play, water play and imaginative play.
The layouts were carefully planned to improve supervision while maximising play value.
Materials & surfacing
A combination of durable, high-quality surfacing was used to create safe and practical play areas.
This included:
Artificial grass surfacing
Wetpour safety surfacing
Sand play areas
These materials provide excellent durability and year-round usability.
Installation
The project involved full removal and disposal of the existing equipment and surfacing.
New sub-bases, surfacing and play equipment were installed to create completely refreshed environments.
The works were delivered efficiently, transforming both play areas.
The outcome
The completed redevelopment has transformed both FS1 and FS2 play areas into engaging and functional outdoor learning environments.
The new layouts provide improved flow, better supervision and a wide range of play opportunities.
Both spaces now work together as cohesive early years environments that will support pupils for many years to come.
Client feedback
“We’re absolutely delighted with the transformation of our FS1 and FS2 areas. The spaces now feel purposeful, engaging and much better suited to the children’s needs. The team were fantastic throughout and the finished result has exceeded our expectations.” Vicki Faulkner - Bursar
Looking to create something similar?
Redeveloping early years play spaces can dramatically improve both learning and play opportunities.
If you're planning to upgrade your EYFS provision, our team would be happy to help.
Comments