Playground design for schools, parks & public spaces

Ideas, costs and expert support — from first concept to completed installation. We work with schools, councils, developers, architects and construction teams across the UK to create spaces where communities come to life.

UK-wide installations
UK-wide installations
UK-wide installations
UK-wide installations

What type of playground are you designing or commissioning?

Great playgrounds don't happen by accident. We consider four key dimensions in every design — from toddlers to teenagers, every child deserves a space built for them.

School playground design

Curriculum-linked, EYFS to secondary, high play value.

More arrow icon

Park & community playgrounds

Durable, inclusive and low-maintenance designs for public parks, housing estates and high-footfall community spaces across England.lay value.

More arrow icon

Inclusive playground design

Fully accessible layouts and equipment designed to BS EN 1176, supporting children of all abilities and SEND requirements.

More arrow icon

Budget, funding & procurement

Cost planning, grant funding guidance and procurement support for Section 106, CIL and public sector projects.

More arrow icon

Quick answers to common questions

How much does playground design cost in England?

Most projects range from £10,000 to £150,000+ depending on site size, equipment specification and surfacing. We provide transparent, itemised budget estimates from the outset.

How long does a playground project take?

Typically 8–12 weeks from design to installation, depending on planning conditions, equipment lead times and site access. We manage the full process end to end.

Do you work with developers and contractors as well as schools?

Yes. We support housing developers meeting Section 106 play obligations, landscape architects specifying play equipment, and principal contractors needing a compliant, programme-ready playground subcontractor. Supply-only options are also available.

A tennis court with a green surface and white lines.

Playground design for schools

Playground design for parks & public spaces

Playground design for developers, architects & contractors

Inclusive playground design

Playground projects delivered across England

Every playground tells a story. Here are a few of the spaces we've designed, installed and handed over to the communities that use them every day.

No items found.

Expert guides to help you plan, specify and fund your playground

12 in-depth guides written for schools, councils, developers and contractors across England.

Planning & design

No items found.

Costs & funding

No items found.

Design ideas

No items found.

Safety & compliance

No items found.

Choosing the right equipment for your playground design

Selecting the right mix of equipment is the foundation of a successful playground — balancing challenge, inclusivity, durability and whole-life cost. Whether you're specifying for a school, public park or residential development, we'll help you build a brief that delivers.

Key design considerations for every playground project

Our team has put together practical guides to help you plan, fund and manage your playground project with confidence.

Surfacing

Wetpour rubber, grass matting, rubber mulch and bonded rubber crumb each offer different safety ratings, maintenance demands and costs. Surfacing choice affects both fall height compliance and whole-life value.

Materials

Robinia timber, HDPE plastic and powder-coated steel have distinct maintenance profiles, aesthetics and lifespans. We provide whole-life cost comparisons to support procurement decisions.

Maintenance & longevity

Low-maintenance designs reduce long-term liability for councils, management companies and schools. We advise on warranties, RPII inspection requirements and replacement cycles as standard.

Planning, safety & compliance

All designs are produced to EN 1176 and EN 1177 standards. For residential developments we provide documentation to support discharge of planning conditions including Section 106.

What type of playground are you designing or commissioning?

Great playgrounds don't happen by accident. We consider four key dimensions in every design — from toddlers to teenagers, every child deserves a space built for them.

Frequently asked questions

Planning a playground project often raises many questions. Here are the ones we hear most often.

How much space do I need for a playground?

There's no universal minimum, but most local planning authorities in England reference Fields in Trust guidelines — typically 0.25 ha of equipped play space per 1,000 population. For schools and smaller sites, we regularly design effective play spaces within 100–500 sqm.

What is the best surfacing for a school playground?

Wetpour rubber is the most widely specified option — durable, low-maintenance and EN 1177 compliant at most fall heights. For tighter budgets, rubber mulch or grass matting can work well depending on equipment and site conditions.

Can you help with funding applications?

Yes. We support schools, councils and community groups with cost estimates, design drawings and written summaries for funding bids — including National Lottery Community Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Sport England applications.

Do you work with developers and principal contractors?

Yes. We provide design, specification and installation for residential developers across England — including full documentation to support discharge of Section 106 play conditions and programme coordination with principal contractors.

Do you offer supply-only options?

Yes. We can supply equipment to your specification, or provide a complete design, supply and installation service — whichever suits your procurement route and programme.

Ready to move forward with your playground project?

phone icon

Speak to a specialist

Tailored advice based on your site, budget and planning requirements — whether you're a school, council, developer or contractor.

message bubble

Request design ideas

Layout concepts, equipment ideas and inspiration matched to your space and audience.

calculate icon

Get a budget estimate

A clear, itemised breakdown of what's achievable within your budget.