Imagination is at the heart of early years development, and that’s exactly what we’ve fostered with the playground development at St. Leonards. Designed to inspire creativity and spark imaginative play, this space is packed with exciting play equipment that encourages exploration and storytelling. From interactive features to role-play zones, let’s take you on a tour of this vibrant and engaging area where the possibilities are endless!
The existing area was a small, underutilised space that lacked play value and didn’t offer much for the children, especially during rainy weather. However, the space held great potential. We transformed this area into a bright, inviting environment that encourages both development and fun. By adding engaging play equipment and thoughtful design, we turned this once-limited space into a vibrant area where the children can play and thrive, rain or shine!
A key aspect of this development was the addition of shelter and surfacing, which completely transformed the area and brings numerous benefits. The high-quality artificial grass provides a durable, all-weather surface, ensuring the children have a comfortable and steady area to play on, no matter the conditions. We also incorporated black wetpour, which offers a safer, more cushioned surface compared to traditional tarmac, thanks to its permeable base that allows for better drainage and stability. To complete the transformation, we added a timber canopy fitted with polycarbonate sheeting on the roof. This provides much-needed UV protection during sunny weather and shelter when the rain returns, ensuring the area can be enjoyed in all weather conditions, year-round.
As you can see from the photos, the children couldn't wait to dive into their new play area—what a fantastic result!
It’s always a joy to see how the children engage with their play equipment, and this space is no exception.
First up is the creative and messy play equipment, featuring the water wall, mud kitchen 2, mud table, and post mounted chalkboard for mark-making. These pieces offer fundamental development opportunities for early years children, especially in terms of motor skills. From using the water pump to navigate water through the channels, to mixing up imaginative recipes in the mud kitchen, or drawing their latest creations on the chalkboard—these activities help children practice and strengthen their fine motor skills in fun and engaging ways.
To bring imagination to life in this space, we introduced our timber stage with mural which provides the perfect setting for children to perform, act out their favorite stories, and dream big. With no limits to how they play, this open-ended space encourages self-expression and social development. No play area is complete without a quiet retreat, so we added our reading nook, featuring built-in seating, bookshelves, and a chalkboard for mark-making. This cosy hideaway is perfect for winding down with a book, engaging in quiet time, or even transforming into a shop or storytelling corner with its open hatch-style front. The beauty of imaginative play is that children bring the equipment to life in ways we can only dream of, and it’s always rewarding to see how they make the space their own.
In addition to imaginative play areas, the space also features a rainwater planter and a tree seat. The rainwater planter is a sustainable and forward-thinking addition, teaching children about eco-friendly practices while also providing sensory play opportunities. They can get hands-on with nature, planting flowers and herbs, learning about growth cycles, and developing a love for the environment. Meanwhile, the tree seat offers a natural gathering spot where children can relax, socialize, or simply enjoy the outdoor setting.
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