Nautical Adventures at Bishop Bronescombe School
Contact UsBishop Bronescombe School sits within expansive grounds that had remained predominantly undeveloped. The school was in need of a high-quality play area that would not only serve as a hub for physical activity but also reflect the school's stunning geographical location.
Given that the school looks out over the glorious St Austell Bay, the staff were keen to implement a nautical theme. The specific site challenge involved a steep grassy bank leading onto the main playing field. The school’s vision was a design that integrated three key elements:
1. Role Play: Engaging the children's imaginations through a coastal theme.
2. Bank Scrambling: Turning the sloping terrain into a physical challenge.
3. Agility: Providing equipment to improve the balance and coordination of their pupils.
The Story Behind the Project
Transforming Undeveloped Potential
Bishop Bronescombe School sits within expansive grounds that had remained predominantly undeveloped. The school was in need of a high-quality play area that would not only serve as a hub for physical activity but also reflect the school's stunning geographical location.
Given that the school looks out over the glorious St Austell Bay, the staff were keen to implement a nautical theme. The specific site challenge involved a steep grassy bank leading onto the main playing field. The school’s vision was a design that integrated three key elements:
1. Role Play: Engaging the children's imaginations through a coastal theme.
2. Bank Scrambling: Turning the sloping terrain into a physical challenge.
3. Agility: Providing equipment to improve the balance and coordination of their pupils.
A Tiers of Play Approach
Our design team focused on utilizing the existing topography to create levels of play. By installing equipment directly onto and around the grassy bank, we transformed an awkward slope into a star feature.
This approach allowed us to site the anchor of the boat theme at the heart of the area, while using the surrounding bank for high-energy scrambling activities that naturally lead children toward the agility equipment on the level field.
The St Austell Bay Boat Zone
Designed exclusively for Bishop Bronescombe, the new play area provides a comprehensive physical and creative experience.
Key Features of the Bishop Bronescombe Project:
• Bespoke Boat Theme: A vibrant centerpiece that encourages cooperative role play, allowing children to navigate their way through the school day.
• Bank Scrambling Activities: Durable climbing and scrambling elements were fitted to the grassy bank, providing a safe but energetic way for older children to traverse the slope.
• Agility Equipment: We integrated a variety of balance-focused apparatus to help children develop core strength and spatial awareness.
• Visual Impact: The colourful panels and striking design make the play area a focal point of the school grounds, visible and inviting to all.
Project Gallery
A closer look at the materials, play value, detailing, and destination impact behind this Outdoor Play People installation.
A Smooth Project with a Big Impact
The project has turned a previously empty field into a striking, innovative play hub. The feedback from the school emphasizes not only the quality of the build but also the professional, headache-free nature of the installation process.
This was probably one of the smoothest projects I personally have managed. The equipment is well built, exciting, imaginative, innovative, striking and fit for purpose. This, we hope, will be the first of many creative play areas on our site, and we can’t wait to see the next one! We hope to have a very long working relationship with Outdoor Play People.
Nicola Gordan, Bishop Bronescombe School
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