Primary School Playground Install - Blakesley Hall Primary School, Birmingham | Absolute Play - Case Study
- Absolute Play
- May 26
- 3 min read
📌 Project snapshot
Sector: Education
Age range served: KS1 & KS2
Key project drivers: Blakesley Hall Primary School wanted to improve and refresh their main playground through a carefully selected mix of equipment, shelter, surfacing and active play features. The goal was to create a more engaging, versatile space incorporating physical challenge, performance opportunities, all weather usability and greater everyday play value.
Equipment type: Shelter, performance stage, physical play, thermoplastics & climbing equipment.
Surfacing: Artificial Grass Overlay & Thermoplastic Markings.
Budget: £35,000.00 +VAT
Project summary - Primary School Playground Install
Absolute Play delivered a vibrant Primary School Playground Install at Blakesley Hall Primary School, enhancing the main playground with a strong blend of physical play, social space, performance provision and active markings.
Through the addition of a new shelter, stage, Clamber Stack, artificial grass and bespoke thermoplastics, the redevelopment created a far more dynamic and usable outdoor environment for pupils.
The brief
The school wanted to elevate their main playground through the introduction of carefully chosen features that would improve everyday play opportunities, active movement and social interaction.
The aim was to introduce more destination play opportunities whilst also creating practical spaces for gathering, performance and informal learning. The redevelopment needed to maximise the existing area through a balanced combination of physical challenge, shelter, surfacing improvements and interactive markings.
Our solution
Key Equipment:
• 5m Hexagonal Shelter with Half Clad Sides.
• Half Hexagonal Stage & Performance Zone.
• Clamber Stack 2 physical challenge feature.
• Artificial Grass Overlay across existing tarmac and wetpour zones.
• Thermoplastic Running Track & Activity Trail.
• Jump, Hop, Hands Down & Hurdles Activity Stations.
• Custom Sprint Markings, Start / Finish Pads & Active Spots.
• Timber Bench Seating Areas.
Design approach:
The design focused on creating a multi-functional main playground that combined movement, challenge, performance and social interaction within one cohesive layout.
The new shelter and stage established a dedicated destination space for gathering, imaginative play, performance and quieter interaction, whilst the Clamber Stack introduced a stronger physical challenge element. Artificial grass softened selected zones and helped strengthen visual zoning across the playground. The thermoplastic trail was designed to maximise activity and engagement throughout the wider space, encouraging movement, competition and active play.
Materials & surfacing
Equipment materials used
• Natural timber shelter, benches and performance stage.
• Timber Clamber Stack climbing equipment.
• Bespoke thermoplastic graphics and active play markings.
Surface types used
• Play Grade Artificial Grass Overlay installed over existing tarmac and wetpour surfaces to soften the environment and improve appearance.
• Thermoplastic Markings to create active trails, fitness stations and interactive playground challenges.
These materials were selected to create a practical, durable and visually engaging playground environment with strong year-round usability.
Installation
The project included removal and disposal of existing playground elements including an older shelter, timber climber, benches and stage before redevelopment works commenced.
Artificial grass overlays were carefully installed across existing tarmac and wetpour areas, helping maximise the available budget whilst refreshing the appearance and usability of the wider playground.
The outcome
Blakesley Hall Primary School now benefits from a more engaging, flexible and visually vibrant playground environment.
The combination of shelter, performance space, climbing challenge, surfacing improvements and interactive markings has created a space that supports active play, social interaction, creativity and everyday school life — all within a carefully managed budget.
Looking to create something similar?
If you're planning a Primary School Playground Redevelopment or looking to refresh your main playground with greater play value and flexibility, we'd love to help.
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