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Zoned Playground in Rochdale
đMoorhouse Academy, Rochdale
đ June 2025
Brief
As part of the redevelopments of their school, Moorhouse Academy wanted to create an outside area that was perfect for their EYFS children. The school wanted an area that could be separated into zones while capturing the childrenâs imagination. It was also important that the area had a ânatural feelâ to it, which is something that was carefully considered throughout the design process. They also wanted a space for climbing, a space for den building, and a âmagical pathâ.
Area of installation
Solution
The school gave us their ideas in the form of a collage of photographs and a plan, and our design team worked hard to ensure that call all their ideas were considered in the final design. We came up with a design that used coloured wetpour to create zones in the playground â one of these zones was to be a physical play area, where we installed a Clamber Stack Midi.
Project Details
Sensory Path
To achieve the natural feel, while incorporating a sensory path, we used a range of soft surfacing and textures including mulch, timber decking, resin bound gravel, and block paving. Also, we wanted to add a den building features to the pathway that would be in keeping with the theme, so our talented Playground Design Engineer, Harry, came up with a brand new product for this school â our new Den Building Frame.
Playground Surfacing
Wetpour is a premium safety surfacing for playgrounds and outdoor play areas â it is durable, versatile, available in a wide range of colours and can also be used as a safety surface when installed at thicker depths. It is down to these properties why we chose it for Moorhouse Academy. For this project, we used bright colours like red, blue and green to create the zones, then neutral colours like brown and grey for the majority of the rest of the area.
Physical Play
We installed a Clamber Stack Midi in this area â a climbing frame that helps children to develop their coordination, strength and gross motor skills â that is manufactured using treated play-grade timber, so is in keeping with the natural theme. We also added a Mobile Log Net Climber, that can be moved to different areas if needed.
Result
The early years children at Moorhouse Academy now have an exciting, stimulating area that provides them with somewhere to let off steam during breaks and lunch, socialise with their peers and connect with nature. We have loved working on this project with the school and canât wait to see the positive impact it has on the pupils.