Croxby Primary set out with an ambitious goal: to become a flagship school for outdoor play. In collaboration with The Consortium Academy Trust, they envisioned a landscape that would fully embrace the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) philosophy. We designed and installed an expansive, multi-zone environment that replaces traditional play with a rich tapestry of sensory, physical, and imaginative “destinations.” This project represents the pinnacle of bespoke school ground transformation – a space where every corner serves a pedagogical purpose.
The installation includes:
The Physical & Agility Hub: Featuring a massive Robinia Scramble Stack, the Congo Basket Swing, and a comprehensive dual-scale Trim Trail. This area is designed for high-energy risk-taking and gross motor mastery.
The Interactive Sand & Water Classrooms: A massive Riverbed Area with natural boulders, pebbles, and Robinia bridges, paired with a Sand Interactive Zone featuring pulleys and interactive walls for kinetic learning.
Imaginative Performance Stage: A rustic Role Play Stage with integrated mirrors and bench seating, allowing students to build confidence through performance.
The 6m x 6m Robinia Classroom: A grand timber shelter with Larch boards and internal free-standing seating, serving as the school’s premier outdoor classroom.
Creative Den Building: A dedicated space with Robinia poles, branch storage, and a shed, encouraging collaborative engineering and “unstructured” play.
The Tunnel Mound: A custom-engineered earthwork capped in concrete and finished with a durable mulch blend, providing a 3D terrain for crawling and climbing.
The Sensory Garden: Defined by Waney Edge Picket Fencing, featuring double mud kitchens and mark-making tables for quiet, tactile exploration.
Installation & Collaboration
This was a major logistical undertaking requiring deep collaboration with the Trust and school leadership. Our team managed everything from the heavy earthworks to the delicate handcrafted details of the Early Years Imaginative Stalls.
By using raw robinia, we ensured the school met its goal of a “natural” flagship look that will age gracefully. We also prioritise functionality for the staff, installing a Canvas-Covered Welly Stand and Loose Part Storage Sheds to ensure the OPAL approach remains organized and sustainable year-round. The result is a vibrant, safe, and world-class outdoor campus that has already begun transforming school life in Hull.
The Outcome & Testimonials
The opening day at Croxby Primary was a landmark event for the community. The feedback from the Trust and the school confirms that this project has set a new benchmark for outdoor play:
“What an exciting and truly memorable day! After so much planning and shared vision, it was incredible to finally see our new play equipment come to life. Precision Timber Ltd’s passion and creativity made the opening feel so special.” – Kerry Mason, Headteacher
“Their enthusiasm said it all. It was fantastic to see the space already fostering collaboration, imagination, and active play. The OPAL approach continues to transform school playtimes.” – The Consortium Academy Trust
Why Schools Trust Precision Playgrounds & Attractions
We prioritise sustainably sourced timber and handcrafted joinery over “disposable” modular units. This “build-to-last” approach ensures schools receive a high-quality, low-maintenance asset that remains structurally sound for a generation of students. Schools trust us to deliver a sustainable legacy that weathers beautifully into the landscape while maximising long-term capital investment.
