Drakes Primary, East Budleigh, Devon – A playground to be proud of – June 2024

The Brief

The courtyard space at the rear of the school presented both an opportunity and a challenge. It was an enclosed, defined area with clear boundaries, ideal for creating a focused, purposeful play zone but it also meant that every element needed to work together cohesively within a relatively compact footprint. The design and planning process was therefore central to the success of the project.

We had to remove some old equipment that had done really well & replace it with our new equipment. Retiring well-used play equipment is always a positive moment – it means children have genuinely loved and used the space but it does require careful handling to ensure the new installation is positioned correctly, that the ground is properly prepared, and that the finished result looks clean and intentional rather than simply patched together.

We have previously installed this Kenton Quad unit in various places & it’s proved very popular wherever it’s located. The Kenton Quad is a versatile quad climbing unit that offers a wide variety of play options for both KS1 and KS2 children. It encourages balance, climbing, traversing and active movement – exactly the kind of physical challenge that primary-aged children thrive on during break and lunch times. Because the structure sits at a low fall height, it integrates well into a courtyard environment without the need for deeper impact-absorbing surfacing beneath the unit itself, which also helps to keep the overall project costs manageable.

We provided artificial grass safety surfacing to give the area an uplift as well as a tested impact absorbing surface with rubber underneath. The artificial grass chosen for this project provides a natural, attractive finish that complements the character of the school and its surroundings beautifully. Beneath the grass layer sits a rubber shock pad that meets the impact-absorption requirements of BS EN 1177, ensuring that the surface is not just visually appealing but genuinely safe for active play. Artificial grass also drains well, resists heavy foot traffic, and requires virtually no ongoing maintenance – a significant advantage for a busy primary school where staff time is precious.

We also replaced two fences with gates at the same time. This was a practical but important addition to the project. Improving access into and out of the courtyard play area meant that supervising staff could move freely and that the space felt open and welcoming rather than hemmed in. It also improved the overall flow of the playground during busy break times.

The Equipment

This unit was manufactured using our Scandinavian pressure treated & laminated Redwood, giving a very appealing look, texture & long lasting appeal.

The use of Scandinavian redwood is something Rhino Play takes great pride in. This is not a cost-cutting timber choice – it is a deliberate decision to use one of the most durable, visually attractive softwoods available for outdoor play structures. Key reasons we choose it:

• Slow grown – gives a tight, consistent grain that is far more resistant to splitting, warping and weathering than faster-grown alternatives
• Pressure treated – drives preservative deep into the timber, protecting it from rot and insect damage over the long term
• Laminated construction – adds further structural strength, ensuring the finished unit is rigid, stable and built to last through years of energetic use

The result is a piece of playground equipment that looks as good on day one as it does years down the line – warm, natural and completely at home in a Devon primary school setting.

The Result

The finished playground at Drakes Primary is exactly what the school set out to achieve – a space that children are genuinely excited to use, that staff feel confident supervising, and that the school community can be proud of. We were delighted to play a part in creating that for the children of Drakes Primary.

Book Your Free Site Visit Today

Inspired by what Rhino Play achieved at Drakes Primary? We work across Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West to design and install outdoor play spaces that schools can genuinely be proud of.

Get in touch today at info@rhinoplay.co.uk with your initial ideas and requirements, or book your free site visit and we’d be happy to assist you further. You can also browse our full range of adventure climbers, playground safety surfacing and playground fencing to start planning your project.