Natural Outdoor Playground Redesign for Early Years – Gorsemoor Primary School, Staffordshire

Playground design & build specialists

The Children of Gorsemoor Set Sail on New Playground Adventures!

Newby Leisure recently brought new life and character into this previously dated outdoor playground space. Upon our return to this freshly renovated site, we saw first-hand how the children of Gorsemoor Primary School and Nursery are absolutely loving their new natural playground.

The outdoor area had previously consisted of unused space and featured equipment that had become worn and outdated. Our projects team did an excellent job of utilising the grounds by adding structure to this space and, most importantly, infusing a vibrant atmosphere that inspires outdoor play and learning.

Anchoring Early Years Development with a Custom Timber Play Ship!

A large bespoke, timber ship serves as the focal point of the playground. This showstopping feature is not only visually striking but also designed to spark imaginative play and support physical development within early years children.

The ship features coloured, Lexan windows that let children look out onto the playground, offering both visibility and an added sensory element to the design. Complete with thoughtful details, including a telescope and a customised sign bearing the school’s name.

To support safe climbing and play, we installed this on a blue-fleck wet-pour surface to create a cushioned, protective area that also visually suggests the sea.

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Bringing Sensory Play to Life with Creative Zones

Areas dedicated to messy play, creative play, and additional activities were included to frame and enhance the design’s centrepiece.

Positioned on a surface of artificial grass, we installed a coloured roof stage with a chalkboard mounted to the back. On this stage, we added freestanding timber stools, creating a performance area that helps build confidence and encourages children to play together.

The coloured lexan in the roof creates a vibrant visual effect when sunlight filters through onto the playground which further enhances the sensory aspects of this design.

Along the pathway in front of the stage, we installed a water pump and flowing stream feature to encourage interactive water play. This addition invites children to explore and engage in sensory-rich activities, as well as boosting fine and gross motor skills.

Toddler Timber Stools

355+VAT

Stimulating Senses with Messy Play

Sectioned off with rustic fencing at the back of the playground is a dedicated messy play space, equipped with a digging pit, Busy Beavers Bench, and Mud Kitchen.

Messy play stimulates senses, helping children to understand different textures and materials.

It can also help strengthen hand muscles, improve hand–eye coordination, and support overall physical development in early years children.

As well as messy play, the design also features additional elements such as a storytelling area to encourage reading at break times. This area consists of a Storytellers Chair, Toddler Timber Stools, and a Mounted Chalkboard.

Other freestanding timber resources within this natural playground design include our best-selling, Coloured Teepee, a Large Sandpit with PVC Cover, and multiple storage units for loose parts and playground equipment to help keep the outdoor space organised.