Newtown Community Primary School, Trowbridge
Setting the Scene
We have worked with Newtown Primary School in Trowbridge for many years developing their extensive outdoor space. Along with a recent MUGA installation and separate Kickabout Area, the school were also aware of the need to provide space for reflection in quieter space within their outdoor grounds. Newtown Primary School had a good-sized, unused area where many years ago there used to be a pond with the ground now having drainage issues.
The pond was situated beneath mature trees and overgrown Bamboo!
Customer Objectives
We were invited to re-design and revitalise this area into a Quiet Garden suitable for Free Play and Outdoor Learning. Within this design we were to include plans to deal with poor drainage and the overgrown nature of the existing space.
Our Solution
Our initial consideration was to make the area safe and clear out unnecessary planting and branches and to level the whole area. From this blank canvas, we designed a space that would be:
- Inviting to enter, with each of the three entrances having a bespoke Timber Archway
- Low maintenance, addressing the sites existing drainage issues
- Inclusive, through the use of a variety of surfaces including a resin bound gravel pathway, slate for texture and bark within the borders to minimise weed growth
- Ideal for outdoor learning, through the use of Play Grass surfacing which is perfect to sit, read or socialise on
- Playful, with two Timber Play Huts with Benches that encourage a space for discussion, reflection and learning
- Safe, through the use of a Timber Play Fence to divide the Kickabout active zone from the Quiet Garden.
Related stories
Twynyrodyn Community School, Merthyr Tydfil
Twynyrodyn Community School, a vibrant primary setting with its own nursery provision, has a long-standing relationship with Phoenix Play.
Parkdale Primary School, Nottingham
Parkdale Primary School approached us to develop their playground into a new vibrant space that the children could use to perform shows, narrate a story or a dance performance from...
Fairfield High School, Bristol
Transformation of a large expanse of tarmac and paving stones to a welcoming area for children to socialise, to make transition from their Primary settings to the Secondary School more gradual.
Oakhurst Community Primary School, Swindon
Oakhurst briefed us to create an EYFS design that would promote fine and gross motor skills and creativity; incorporating active play, a roadway and some beautiful planters.
Avanti Meadows, Bishop's Stortford
In creating an active play zone and storytelling area, we produced a space where children could safely play and learn in this new-build school.
Mangotsfield Primary School, South Gloucestershire
Mangotsfield Primary School came to us with the aim of transforming the EYFS playground to incorporate a shelter, active equipment and imaginative play items.
Oakhurst Community Primary School, Swindon
A play project focused on KS1 children and their development of literacy, social interaction and problem-solving skills.
Easton Royal Academy, Wiltshire
Easton Royal had been impressed with the works we had completed at another school in their Academy Trust and requested resurfacing of their timber Trim Trail area. The school also wanted to encourage play and exploration in an unused area which was overgrown, and transform it to a Forest School area.
Ashton Gate Primary Academy, Bristol
Creation of a bespoke canopy and messy play area in an urban school with several underutilised outdoor spaces.