Eco Play Helps Overcome Planning Problems

The environmentally sensitive Trailblazer ECO system from RSS Playmakers has been chosen by The Hawthorns School in Bletchingley near Redhill.

The Hawthorns School, which is located within green belt and conservation areas and is a Grade 2* listed building, had to apply for planning permission in order to be able to install the Trailblazer ECO play equipment. Added to this were difficulties with the site which incorporated a slope.

Planning regulations required The Hawthorns School to provide detailed drawings and, as the environmental impact of the play scheme was of utmost importance, examples of equipment colours were also necessary.

Gail Johnson, The Hawthorns School, said: “We had submitted the plans to the Local Authority but were asked to re-submit more detailed plans.  RSS Playmakers helped us with this process by providing more detailed presentations with examples of our proposed colour schemes which were then approved and planning permission granted.  They then overcame difficult site conditions by excavating the slope to make it safe and suitable for the installation of Trailblazer ECO.”

Trailblazer ECO, which has been designed with timber support posts and a natural appearance, is an ideal choice for environmentally sensitive sites.  It is suitable for four to 64 year-olds and provides a distinctive and more adventurous approach to play equipment provision than traditional stand-alone play structures, as its ‘trail system’ of linked activities demands greater physical effort.  With twenty-one dynamic units, comprising three to ten activities, the Trailblazer ECO is available in a variety of configurations for individual or combined use.

Trailblazer ECO

The system accommodates more children than a static single structure play concept and encourages children to develop teamwork through all-inclusive play, as well as supporting the expansion of their imaginations to play creatively, co-operate with others and enjoy participation – all factors which are ideal for schools as they meet core areas of the National Curriculum.

“The children love using Trailblazer ECO” Gail continued, “they are finding it quite challenging and are thoroughly enjoying it. It will be used as part of team-building days too”.

For further information on RSS Playmakers please call 01784 483851 or visit www.rss.co.uk

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