Bespoke Treehouse Play Equipment at St Philip’s C of E Primary School, Salford

School profile

The school wanted to transform an underused area alongside its main playground into an exciting new school play area. The aim was to create a space that would encourage physical activity while also providing opportunities for imaginative play, role play, socialising and quieter activities.

The challenge

The school had an unusual space with two existing trees that presented an exciting opportunity for a bespoke playground design.

However, the existing area came with several challenges. The surfacing was a mixture of paving and soil, with tree roots protruding above the soil. There was also raised concrete edging around the trees, creating potential trip hazards for children.

PE Coordinator Tim approached ESP Play with the idea of creating bespoke platforms around the two existing trees, with the platforms connected by bridges and incorporating climbing elements.

The school also wanted to make full use of the available space without extending the play area onto the adjoining tarmac. The tarmac was being used for new court markings, so the playground equipment and safety surfacing needed to remain within the existing paved and soil area.

Existing benches also needed to be removed, along with the raised concrete edging around the trees.

The solution

Bespoke tree dens and climbing equipment.

ESP Play created a bespoke school playground design that worked with the existing trees rather than around them.

The completed play area features:

• Two bespoke tree dens built around the existing trees
• A central castle-style play platform
• A wobbly bridge
• A rope bridge
• Access steps
• A scramble net
• A traverse wall
• Artificial grass covering the decking floors

The combination of platforms, bridges and climbing equipment gives children a variety of ways to explore the space and develop their physical skills.

The tree dens also provide an imaginative element to the design, giving children somewhere to create games, role play and socialise. The platforms can even become quieter spaces where children can sit and read.

This multifunctional approach means the play area offers something different for children across the school’s 4–11 age range.

Safety Considerations

The existing tree roots were an important consideration when selecting the playground safety surfacing.

ESP Play recommended rubber mulch because its flexible properties make it particularly suitable for an area containing established tree roots. The surfacing could be installed around and over the roots while providing an appropriate impact-attenuating surface beneath the play equipment.

The raised concrete edging around the trees was also removed as part of the project, helping to eliminate the existing trip hazards and create a more suitable environment for children’s play.

The final design was carefully planned around the existing site, keeping the new play equipment within the designated area and leaving the adjoining tarmac available for the school’s sports activities.

Installation

Before the new playground equipment could be installed, the existing benches and raised concrete edging were removed.

The installation was then completed within the existing play area, with the design carefully adapted to the two established trees and the site’s existing features.

By making use of the space already available, ESP Play was able to create a significant new play feature without taking over the school’s tarmac sports area.

The outcome

A multifunctional school play area.

The completed project has transformed a previously underused space into an exciting school playground feature that combines physical activity with imaginative play.

Children can now:

• Climb and scramble
• Balance and cross the bridges
• Develop coordination and physical confidence
• Explore the tree dens
• Enjoy role play and imaginative games
• Socialise with friends
• Use the platforms as quieter spaces

The variety of equipment means children can use the space in different ways, making it suitable for a broad range of ages and abilities.

Most importantly, the children have embraced the new playground.

As Tim explained, “The kids have already had a blast on it and continue to do so. They love it.”

School testimonial

“We have been really happy with the process from start to finish. Communication with Shona Holly has been excellent and she was very attentive to our needs and thought process. From start to finish it’s been easy to communicate, develop ideas and go through the whole process. It has been an easy and exciting process to go through.

Yes, we are more than happy with the whole process, and of course the final product. The kids have already had a blast on it and continue to do so. They love it.

I will of course contact you if we decide to develop other things further. Yes, we would be more than happy to recommend ESP Play to other schools – I have even done this already!”

Tim, PE Coordinator, St Philip’s C of E Primary School