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Area of installation
đź“Ť Norbury School, Harrow
đź—“ October 2026
Introduction
The Playground Company recently completed an exciting playground transformation at Norbury School in Harrow, Greater London, creating a vibrant, all-weather outdoor space for pupils to enjoy throughout the year.
The project involved the installation of approximately 565m² of luxury artificial grass surfacing, alongside a brand-new timber playground gazebo designed to provide a sheltered outdoor classroom. By combining durable playground surfacing with a versatile outdoor learning shelter, we have helped Norbury School create a welcoming environment that encourages outdoor learning, physical activity and social interaction, whatever the weather.
The Brief
Norbury School approached The Playground Company looking to revitalise its existing outdoor space, which had become tired and prone to waterlogging. The original artificial grass playground was showing signs of wear, with standing water limiting the usability of the space during periods of wet weather.
The school required a practical, long-lasting solution that would improve the appearance and functionality of the playground while providing a dedicated sheltered area for outdoor teaching and group activities.
The key objectives were to:
Replace the existing artificial grass with a fresh, durable playground surface.
Improve drainage to reduce standing water and maximise year-round usability.
Replace the existing gazebo with a new timber playground shelter.
Create a functional outdoor classroom for lessons, storytelling and group activities.
Provide an inviting environment that supports outdoor play, learning and development.
The Solution
Working closely with Norbury School, our team designed and installed a complete playground refurbishment, incorporating luxury artificial grass surfacing, a dedicated drainage system and a spacious timber gazebo.
Luxury Artificial Grass Playground Surfacing
The transformation began with the removal of the existing artificial grass and old gazebo, allowing our installation team to prepare the playground for its new surface. We installed approximately 565m² of Green Luxury Artificial Grass, creating a bright, green and welcoming playground that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.
The new playground surfacing was installed over a carefully prepared, compacted stone base, providing a smooth and consistent finish. Unlike natural grass, artificial grass offers a low-maintenance solution that helps schools maintain an attractive outdoor environment without the challenges of muddy, worn or patchy grass.
Improved Playground Drainage
An important part of the project was addressing the drainage issues affecting the original playground.
To help prevent water from accumulating on the surface, our team installed a herringbone drainage system, incorporating underground drainage channels and approximately 7.5 linear metres of ACO drainage channels.
This system helps direct rainwater away from the playground surface, reducing the risk of pooling and improving the usability of the outdoor space during wetter months. Combined with the new artificial grass, the improved drainage provides Norbury School with a more practical, all-weather playground environment.
4.5m Hexagonal Playground Gazebo
To complement the new playground surfacing, we installed a beautiful 4.5m Hexagonal Timber Gazebo, creating a dedicated outdoor classroom and sheltered learning space. Designed to accommodate up to 30 children, the playground gazebo features integrated bench seating, timber-clad sides and a built-in whiteboard.
The gazebo provides a versatile environment for a wide range of outdoor learning activities, including:
Outdoor lessons and small-group teaching.
Reading, storytelling and literacy activities.
Creative learning and collaborative projects.
Nature-based learning and outdoor exploration.
Quiet time, social interaction and group discussions.
Constructed using treated structural-grade timber, the gazebo features a waterproof-lined roof finished with traditional timber feather-edge boards.
The result is an attractive, practical playground shelter that complements the surrounding outdoor environment while providing protection from the elements.
The Result
The completed project has completely transformed Norbury School's outdoor environment, replacing the previous waterlogged playground with a bright, inviting space designed for year-round enjoyment.
The new artificial grass has refreshed the appearance of the playground, while the improved drainage helps ensure the area remains practical and accessible during wetter weather. Positioned within the spacious playground, the timber gazebo provides a fantastic focal point for outdoor learning, giving teachers a dedicated space to take lessons beyond the classroom.
We are delighted to have worked with Norbury School on this transformation and look forward to seeing pupils make the most of their fantastic new outdoor space!