Synthetic sport and play surfacing specialists Dura-Sport have recently completed a complex design and construction project at Taylor Road Primary School in Leicester.
Having previously installed a large multi-use games area and a children's play area at Taylor Road School, Dura-Sport were invited to tender for the contract to resurface the school's large playground facility.
Following the successful completion of the tender process, Dura-Sport liaised with the school to identify which activities should be featured. The area, which covered approximately 2500m2 was an unusual shape with a number of angles and careful consideration was to be given to the most efficient use of the space. Dura-Sport designed a scheme which incorporated a netball court, 5 lane 35 metre sprint track and Kwik Cricket pitch.
Following the success of Dura-Sports previous installations at the school, it was stipulated that the existing tarmac area should be resurfaced using a similar synthetic grass to that used in the first phase of the project. Dura-Sport therefore arranged for a bespoke surface to be manufactured exclusively to their specification and specifically for Taylor Road School.
Durapad, Dura-Sport's shock absorbing performance layer was installed across the site, followed by the bespoke surface. Line markings for the sprint track were pre-tufted and the netball and cricket lines were cut in on site. The school emblem and a welcome message were also incorporated in to the scheme.
Access to the drains in the playground area could not be compromised by the addition of synthetic surfacing and Dura-Sport used an innovative technique to ensure that all of the drains were easily identifiable and simple to access if required.
Two surrounding areas, which previously contained small shrubs, were replaced with Dura-Sport's evograss to create additional play space. Benches were added to create viewing areas, maximising the use of space.
The work was completed over six weeks of the summer holidays, ready for the children's return at the end of August.
Chris Hassall, Headteacher at Taylor Road School, commented: "The quality of the new playground surface is superb. It has resulted in a dramatic drop in the number of playtime accidents and the children and staff have an excellent area for play, sports and games.
"The work was to a high standard and was completed on time. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff from Dura-Sport. We are delighted with the additional resource."
