A playground like no other!
This playground really does have it all. With a thoughtfully designed layout and carefully selected features and resources, this space is sure to keep the children of Heckmondwike Primary Academy entertained all year round. It was great to work alongside the Delta Trust once again to bring this vision to life and on our recent return to the school, we were delighted to see just how well the new playground is being enjoyed by everyone.
Featuring a dynamic multi-level layout, the playground offers clearly defined areas for different types of play, with smooth transitions creating a seamless flow between each area. Positioned at the top of the playground, a spacious artificial grass play area provides an exciting space for physical activity, complete with a clamber stack and Grass-Topped Physical Activity Blocks. Designed to promote active play, these features encourage climbing, balancing and exploration while supporting the development of key gross motor skills.
A stone resin path separates this space from another area which features 2 Coloured Teepees and a dedicated messy play area complete with a Mud Kitchen, Messy Play table, Weights & Scales Table and a digging pit. Designed to support hands-on sensory exploration, this area encourages children to experiment with different textures and materials, inspiring creativity through mud play, water play and open-ended discovery.
This stone resin pathway leads down the playground alongside a gently flowing water stream that follows the natural slope, leading to a timber decking space. A rustic hut was added on this decking to offer a place for imaginative play or quiet down time. The stream is enhanced visually with a cobbled beach and planters and flows beneath a timber bridge that provides children with access to the decking. Following on from this, we added a large sandpit for further sensory exploration. A Three Tier Storage Unit was also installed nearby, providing convenient storage for loose parts such as buckets, spades and other play resources.
A NASH shelter was added, connecting directly to the building to create an accessible outdoor learning space. The area features Mark Making Tables for drawing and reading activities, as well as Double Storage Units to keep classroom materials neatly stored and readily available.
Flowing on from this, a dedicated construction zone invites children into imaginative role play, fully equipped with timber resources including a Construction Hut, Skip, Blocks and more to inspire creative building and exploration.
The final area of the playground provides an open space for free play, surrounded by a path of interest that guides children through to a woodland setting. Within this natural area, a variety of woodland features have been introduced, including matrix posts, log seating, Mini Bug Hotels, and a Woodcutter’s Cottage positioned on a timber decking area.
This carefully designed outdoor environment brings together a wide range of play experiences that encourage children to move, explore and create in different ways across the playground. The flowing layout and natural features work together to create an engaging, imaginative setting that supports learning, wellbeing and discovery beyond the classroom.
If you like what you see and would like a design similar to Heckmondwike Primary Academy, call or email the Newby team today using the details below!
Tel: 01472 2320022
Email: sales@newbyleisure.com
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If you like what you see, and would like a design similar to this, contact the Newby team today using the button below!
Download our 2026 Natural Playground Design Brochure. It's full of fantastic playground design and timber education supplies.
With a free site visit and free hand-drawn design from the Newby Leisure team, it couldn’t be easier to make a start on your new playground vision.
