Laxton Junior School enjoys clean, safe and durable outdoor learning and play with artificial grass.
Outdoor play is understandably an important part of a child’s day at school and an integral part of the national curriculum. The physical and cognitive development, health and fitness an interactive playground provides allows children to learn in an open air environment, whilst fuelling their social skills (and encouraging them to have fun, too!)
Juggling outdoor play time with British weather conditions, it is a constant struggle to maintain a clean, safe and usable outdoor space term in, term out. At Laxton Junior School in Northamptonshire, their EYFS pupils can enjoy their new outside space, fitted with an 80 square metre safe and durable LazyLawn Wonder Yarn 36mm artificial grass installation. The children and staff can also make best use of their external environment without the risk of a slippery mud bath along the way.
Beneath the installed artificial grass is a 25mm foam underlay shockpad which not only provides the play surface with cushioned bounce and the optimum fall protection but adds both insulation and a free draining layer.
Specified, designed and installed with comfort, safety and practicality in mind, the play area, completed in the summer holidays in August 2022, was ready for the rigours of term-time play and its opening event. Part of the broader soft and hard landscaping project around the school grounds, the LazyLawn forms a striking canvas for the play equipment and allows for cushioned play without the risk of puddles and muddy patches.
Pre-install, the contractor and the LazyLawn team worked closely and customer support and communication was critical, especially as the brief and scope of works was modified in its early stages. The support team at LazyLawn handled this smoothly and professionally and kept all parties informed of any implications this may have had on the installation itself.
Supplying and installing the material over 3 days last summer, the LazyLawn Wonder Yarn, specified on this project by CDC Studio Architects, is widely recommended as one of the most reputable quality artificial grass products supplied by the pioneers in its manufacture and supply for over 35 years, Evergreens UK Group. The LazyLawn portfolio extends across outdoor play, landscape, flat roofs, sport and public arena projects – indoors and out – across the UK.
Working with the Cambridgeshire-based specialist building contractor Orientrose Contracts, the LazyLawn team returned post-installation to ensure the contractor and client were happy with all elements, particularly in light of the prospective Grand Opening event for which a timely completion was imperative.
The timber trim trail equipment includes climbing rigging, ramps and look-out points, with platforms cushioned with LazyLawn to provide continuity and slip-free play. Extending the use of the grass up the playframe ramp and platforms adds an extra level of practical function and its rich colour forms a bright and striking contrast to the timber frameworks and fencing. The design flexibility allows for rolling curves and interest across the play area.
Working with LazyLawn for the first time and pleasantly surprised to see its versatility across the project, Josh John of Orientrose said: “Customer service was excellent pre-installation and Katie Driver (LazyLawn Project Coordinator) was extremely proactive when the scope was modified and was able to confirm implications of this change very quickly. We’ve all been impressed with how the project has taken shape – particularly how the grass has been used on the play equipment itself.”
Speaking with school representatives, the teachers and children have been very complimentary about the play area, its completion and its transformation. The remodelling from the existing playground to an exciting, all-weather external space means the children can enjoy both breaktime play and an engaging outdoor learning experience throughout their school days.
