Early Years Playground Transformation at The Ryleys

Brief

The Ryleys Preparatory School approached us to develop their existing Early Years playground and create a more engaging outdoor environment for their pupils. The existing play area included a number of older play features and existing wetpour surfacing. The school wanted to create a fresh, modern playground that would provide a range of activities and experiences for younger children while maintaining a natural, welcoming appearance.

Solution

We designed and installed a completely refreshed Early Years playground, combining artificial grass, colourful wetpour surfacing and natural timber features to create distinct areas for different types of play.

The new layout uses sweeping curves and contrasting surfacing colours to create an attractive and playful environment. Green artificial grass forms the main surface, while beige wetpour creates clearly defined play areas and pathways throughout the space.

A new sensory pathway was incorporated into the playground, using a variety of different textures including bonded rubber mulch, wetpour and block paving. This creates opportunities for children to experience different textures underfoot while moving through the playground.

Natural timber elements were used throughout the design, including the new Sandy Lodge, timber fencing, garden archway and sleeper borders, helping the playground complement the school's existing surroundings.

Project Details

Artificial Grass Surfacing

Approximately 307m² of Luxury Artificial Grass surfacing was installed across the playground, including standard green artificial grass and a section of brown multi-play artificial grass within the garden area. The artificial grass provides a durable, low-maintenance surface that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Wetpour Safety Surfacing

Approximately 122m² of beige Wetpour Surfacing was installed over the existing tarmac surface. The warm beige colour works particularly well alongside the green artificial grass, creating a bright and natural-looking playground design.

Sensory Pathway

A 28.5m Sensory Path was installed to introduce different textures and sensory experiences into the playground. The pathway incorporates bonded rubber mulch, wetpour and resin-bound gravel, creating an engaging route for children to explore.

Sandy Lodge

A new Sandy Lodge was installed as a dedicated sand play and imaginative play feature. The timber structure measures approximately 2.5m x 2m x 2.3m and includes a sleeper sandpit base and play shade, providing a sheltered space for children to enjoy creative sand play.

Timber Bow Top Fencing

Approximately 78.2 metres of 1m-high Timber Bow Top Fencing was installed around the playground, incorporating five single access gates. The pressure-treated, Play Grade timber is sanded and planed with chamfered corners, creating a natural-looking boundary that complements the new Early Years playground.

The Ryleys Garden

A dedicated garden area was created within the playground using natural timber elements. This included a bespoke timber Sleeper Bench, staggered timber sleeper borders and a welcoming engraved sign.

The finished garden area was named “The Ryleys Garden”, with the bespoke Timber Archway creating a clear entrance to this quieter, nature-inspired space.

Result

The completed project has transformed The Ryleys Preparatory School's Early Years outdoor space into a bright, colourful and engaging playground designed around different types of play and exploration.

The combination of artificial grass and colourful wetpour has created a fresh and modern appearance, while the extensive use of timber fencing, the Sandy Lodge and the bespoke garden area brings natural materials and imaginative play into the design.

The new sensory pathway adds another dimension to the playground, encouraging children to explore different textures, while the Sandy Lodge provides a dedicated space for sand and imaginative play.

The newly created Ryleys Garden adds a more tranquil element to the playground, providing a dedicated space where children can explore, sit and enjoy the outdoors.

Overall, the project has created a versatile Early Years playground in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, giving The Ryleys Preparatory School a welcoming outdoor environment that encourages sensory exploration, imaginative play, physical activity and outdoor learning.