Caersws Play Area

Playdale recently invited us down to Powys, Wales to help transform the Caersws play area.

The work was set to be carried out following an extraordinary effort by the Caersws Recreation Association and volunteers who raised money to refurbish the playground with new, inclusive equipment and surfacing. After the new equipment had been installed by Playdale our team arrived on-site, ready to install over 250m² of wet pour safety surfacing complete with a bespoke Roman Gladiator themed design.

The design included multiple roman numerals, two large helmets and a temple along with two olive wreaths all set within the surface. Our team used the initial drawing provided by Playdale to scale the design to the correct size, carefully drawing out each section by hand. Once our team leader was happy with the drawing, it was all cut and hand-laid, ensuring that all colours, spacing and proportions matched the initial drawing. In addition to this, our team leader ensured that the correct depths of surfacing was installed to meet the relevant critical fall heights.

Wet pour is the perfect safety surface for a project like this as it allows for sharp, crisp graphics which allows the design to stand out no matter where on the play area visitors are standing. Our wet pour has also been tested for slip-resistant and is impact absorbent to help reduce the risk of head injuries, keeping children safe as they play on the newly installed equipment. In order to meet the critical fall heights of the new equipment, our team installed the surfacing at a depth of 40mm and 80mm, being mindful that all transition between depths were gradual and barely noticeable and there would not cause a trip hazard.

After the park was officially opened, the local community went on Facebook to share their thoughts – and it was great to see so many glowing reviews!

As so many communities face losing their local play areas due to local government funding cuts, it was great to see the happiness this project has brought to Caersws and know that we played a part in making it happen. The Chair of the Caersws Recreational Association, Mo Woosnam hoped that by refurbishing the playground it would make a huge difference to the local families as it would become a “hub of the community” and we are sure it will!