From Playground to Outdoor Adventure
This nursery has undergone a complete transformation of its outdoor area, creating a versatile, natural environment that extends classroom learning into the great outdoors. The new nature-based play space provides children with an inspiring setting to learn, explore and discover through play.
The playground has been brought to life with beautiful planting and natural features that help create a cohesive, nature-inspired space. Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, the new play areas encourage children to get outdoors, explore their surroundings and enjoy exciting adventures in a setting that feels natural, welcoming and full of discovery. We used a variety of surfacing to emphasise the different play spaces. A bark-covered area provides the perfect setting for den building and imaginative play, complemented by a natural Robinia teepee den structure. Designed to encourage children to get hands-on with nature. A stone resin pathway weaves through the playground, connecting the different learning spaces. Along the route, a bench seating area provides a welcoming spot for quiet moments and downtime, while an open space surfaced with rubber mulch offers plenty of flexibility for creative play, freestanding resources and active outdoor adventures.
Sections of the playground have been surfaced with artificial grass, creating practical spaces for physical play and activity. The fencing around these areas features a burnt wood effect adding a natural feel while helping to create distinct zones within the wider outdoor space. One of the artificial grass areas features a natural Robinia clamber stack, designed to encourage children to challenge their physical abilities, develop coordination and build confidence through active outdoor play.
A timber bridge extends over a water play stream which runs through the different sections of the playground towards a cobbled beach area and providing children with opportunities for imaginative, hands-on water play and exploration. Leading on from the bridge, stepping stones have been incorporated into the stone resin pathway, creating an inviting route through the playground. The stepping stones continue into the planting, encouraging children to explore amongst the greenery and become immersed in the natural surroundings as they move between the different play spaces. Natural log stepping stones have also been added to bring an extra sense of adventure to the playground.
The completed transformation has created a natural, engaging outdoor environment where children can learn, play and explore in their own way. With opportunities for active adventure, imaginative play, quiet downtime and hands-on experiences with nature, the new space supports physical development, confidence, creativity and curiosity, while providing a welcoming extension to the nursery classroom.
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Tel: 01472 2320022
Email: sales@newbyleisure.com
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