New Timber Trail Adventure for Fynamore County Primary School
Pupils at Fynamore County Primary School in Calne couldn't wait to get back to their school playground equipment this week after the summer break to see the fruit of their design labours.
Playforce, a Wiltshire-based company that specialises in designing and installing tailor-made outdoor playground equipment, had created a double-decker adventure timber trail for the school - in line with suggestions made by the school's 320 pupils.
Headmistress Carolyn Maddox said she had asked Playforce to breathe some life into an effectively 'dead' area of the outdoor playground behind some mobile classrooms.
She met Fran Brown, a Playforce representative, to discuss what was possible and then she allowed the school council - which includes a representative from each class - to discuss the project with Playforce too.
"We are all very happy with our Playforce childrens play equipment," said Mrs Maddox. "The children love it and are still very excited about it. The teachers love it too because, as well as being an excellent outdoor playground area for the children, it is also a very useful teaching resource. It's big enough to cope with a whole class at once so teachers are using it for PE and also as a reward during golden time if the children behave or work well.
"It has taken us two years to raise the money with sponsored events, donations from friends of the school and school grants - but it was well worth the wait."
Playforce is the UK's premier provider of playground equipment - priding itself on its ability to design outdoor playround areas that stimulate children's imaginations at the same time as stretching their muscles. The children create their own games and magical worlds using the Playforce timber trail obstacles as props and scenery.
The Fynamore school adventure timber trail is already fulfilling everyone's expectations. It is in two sections at both high and low levels. The lower level is aimed at the infant children and comprises a balance weaver, two bridges and a hanging rope traverse to encourage balance, co-ordination and upper body strength. The second part of the trail includes more challenging playground equipment - including a monkey walk and a trapeze.
