GILMORTON PRIMARY SCHOOL PLAY AREA AND TRIM TRAIL
Church Lane,
Gilmorton,
Lutterworth,
LE17 5LU
Gilmorton Primary School in Leicestershire has transformed an area of its grounds into a vibrant outdoor play space featuring natural timber equipment and Notts Sport's CocoTurf safety surfacing.
The project was driven by the school's desire to create a safe, engaging environment for active play while maintaining the character of its surroundings. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Friends of Gilmorton Primary School and the wider school community, the vision has become a reality, providing pupils with a high-quality outdoor facility that will support play and physical development for years to come.
A key requirement for the project was finding a surfacing solution that combined safety, durability and sustainability. CocoTurf was selected for its natural appearance and proven safety performance. Manufactured using natural coconut fibres, the surface provides the impact attenuation required beneath play equipment while offering a more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional playground surfacing.
The natural aesthetic of CocoTurf made it particularly well suited to Gilmorton Village, which lies within a designated conservation area. Its warm, earthy tones help the play area blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and complement the traditional character of the school grounds.
The finished play space incorporates a variety of timber play features designed to encourage balance, climbing, coordination and imaginative play. Combined with the durable, low-maintenance properties of CocoTurf, the installation provides a practical and attractive solution that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, said:
"The school wanted a surface that was safe, sustainable and sympathetic to the character of the village. CocoTurf was the perfect solution, providing all the safety benefits needed for active play while creating a natural-looking environment that complements its surroundings. This project is a great example of how schools can create inspiring outdoor spaces that support children's wellbeing while remaining sensitive to their local environment."
The completed installation demonstrates how sustainable surfacing and natural play equipment can work together to create a safe, engaging and visually harmonious outdoor play environment for schools.
