The safety of children is an integral part of playground development, and with ‘play’ providing an intricate part of child’s education it is imperative that the outdoor and to some extent indoor surfaces in which they play upon provides the utmost safety with no compromise.
Why choose an artificial surface for an outdoor playground?
Historically tarmacadam surfaces were specified as a popular playground surface for schools and nurseries, as it was a durable, cost effective surface that could be utilised all year round.
However this type of surface often contributes to a wide variety of injuries, as tarmacadam surfaces do not provide any protection to pupils when they fall or trip and often over time the surfaces can become uneven and be costly to replace compared to rubber surfaces or resin bound solutions.
Artificial grass solutions are an increasingly popular alternative playground surfacing option for schools and nurseries looking to be able to access outdoor spaces more frequently, whilst keeping little ones safe.
With our range of play area surface solutions, children of all age groups can enjoy playing on a surface with different levels of softness without compromising safety. Soft surfaces are easier on the feet and safer for trip and falls thus reducing the risk of injuries . All of our playground surfaces are durable and easy to maintain all year round.
Why choose of Matchplay 2
Our very own Matchplay 2 artificial grass surface is by far our most popular playground surface, designed to be used within schools and other educational settings due to its vast versatility. Also with its low sand content, it allows for use in most weather conditions making it ideal for all year round use.
We carried out comparative player/surface interaction tests on our Matchplay 2 and a tarmacadam surface, to determine their level of player/surface interaction capability in relation to falls & injury risk.
Tests proved that our Matchplay 2 playground surfaces have higher levels of shock absorption, slip resistance, impact attenuation and rotation resistance compared to Tarmac.
With a range of 14 bright, fantastic colours to choose from, it is simple to combine colours and designs to create limitless options. Manufactured with impact absorbing materials our playground surfaces are vandal-resistant and low maintenance and meet BSEN1177 AND BS7188 standards.
Our surfaces are all UK manufactured and come with a minimum 5 year warranty, because we have confidence in our surfacing and truly believe it is the best it can possibly be for you to use.
Contact us today to find out more.
Make no mistake about it… adapted wheelchair sports programmes in the UK are on the rise. With over seven million people in the UK having some form of mobility impairment, the Disability Discrimination Act specifically requires that sport construction does not in any way impede a person with a disability from enjoying their training. Yorkshire-based manufacturer of synthetic surfaces Playrite know that the need to specify the right products for sporting facilities is seen as crucial if a whole swathe of the disabled community is to be fully included in UK sport.
Today the Paralympics are the second biggest sporting event in the world. At the 2012 London games, 4,200 disabled athletes participated in 20 sports in a stunning range of fully accessible, ‘universal design’ venues. The games are no longer about the rehabilitation of paralysed people: they are a great international sporting event in their own right. Other famous sporting venues have opened up to disability sports including Wimbledon, where wheelchair tennis is now played. According to Sport England “good facilities are undamental to developing sporting opportunities for everyone” and since the London Olympics and Paralympics 2012 has become more evident with the increase of participation in all sports at all levels.
The accelerated commodification of the Paralympic Games has seen it move from a pastime to a global sporting spectacle marking it as a hyper-visible space of disability representation. Indeed, the Rio 2016 Paralympics saw its largest global media audience of 4.1 billion, an increase of over 127% since 2004 which has had a positive knock-on effect in the UK for a host of wheelchair sports and increased sporting participation.
There is though, a ‘however.’ A lack of opportunities and accessible venues have been identified as the top two barriers to participation in sports and physical activity for wheelchair users and recent research has revealed high levels of demand among wheelchair users for a range of sports. Playrite has correctly identified that providing more artificial surfaces as opposed to grass or tarmac will close the gap in levelling up access to facilities that normally only able-bodied users would benefit from.
Approximately 54% of disabled people travel more than 30 minutes to take part in some form of sport or physical activity so there is a clear need for more opportunities to take place at a local level.
Playrite provides the highest quality of sport surfacing products for everyone, from grassroots community sport centres up to elite sporting facilities. In particular, they are keen to ensure their products are suitable for all users, in particular those who use wheelchairs in grass-based sports.
To guarantee that their products will serve the next generation of sporting greats Playrite submitted their Matchplay 2 surface for testing to determine the coefficient of friction when the surface is in use by wheelchairs. Surfaces require a coefficient of friction between 0.75 μ – 1.0 μ to be deemed suitable for wheelchair sports. Tests conducted by Labosport determined that Matchplay 2 had a rating of 0.96μ which deems it safe for wheelchair users and suitable for a number of sports including: Tennis, Hockey, Football, Netball and Basketball.
Chris Pickles, Sales Director, Playrite Ltd, commented, “We have had a large increase in demand from the wheelchair sporting sector for our Matchplay 2 synthetic grass surface. It seemed more than prudent to have our Matchplay 2 product tested by a recognised body. It’s crucial that sports surfaces meet the required friction ratings for wheelchair users. The Labosport report quite clearly shows that Matchplay 2 is more than fit for purpose in this sector.”
With access to extensive grounds, Aintree Davenhill Primary School is able to offer excellent educational experiences that foster an enjoyment of learning that allows every child the opportunity to achieve their full potential. A part of the external learning practices the school provides for the children is a focus on sports and physical activities.
Working with North-West-based Playsound Services ltd, the school wanted to regenerate an unused area of the school’s grounds. After some discussion, it was identified that the school was focused on raising awareness amongst KS1 & KS2 students about the importance of exercise and well-being. The team at Playsound Services advised the school that the most suitable option for them to encourage this would be with the installation of a range of outdoor fitness equipment.
After selecting a range of different pieces to feature in the fitness area, the team at Playsound Services recommended that an artificial grass surface be installed to further enhance the design. Having worked with Playrite on previous projects, they advise that the Nearlygrass 30 would be the ideal surface to accompany the equipment.
Playrite’s Nearlygrass artificial turf range is manufactured using the finest material and traditional techniques to produce high-quality grass that features a natural look and feel. Made with two-tone fibres, the Nearlygrass collection is available in 4 different pile heights with textures to suit every style and budget. The range is a hard-wearing and durable surface and ideally suited as a surface for an outdoor fitness area compared with harsher surfaces such as tarmac.
Collaborating with Playsound Services, resulted in a unique fitness area that the school can access all year-round and continue promoting exercise and well-being for generations to come.
On the outskirts of Huddersfield is the luxury Woodland Glade residential complex. Local residents have access
to their own community centre, which offers a range of facilities including swimming, tennis and football as well as
a range of social events throughout the year. Over recent years the club’s tennis court had seen better days and was due an upgrade.
With the club seeing an increase in participants using the tennis court, the club’s board members felt it was time to
invest in a new surface.
Having reached out to Mark Buckall at EB Sports to complete the refurbishment, the club were keen for his recommendations regarding the surface solutions options available to them.
EB Sports have previously worked with Playrite on a number of tennis court projects and were able to work with the client in determining the best solution for the community centre. With tennis being the primary sport played on the court, club members wanted the option to be able to play multi-sports on the courts without it impacting on the
effectiveness of the surface.
MUGA surfaces are becoming an increasingly popular choice for sports facilities, due to their resistance to
frequent wear and tear.
Playrite’s Grandplay range is one of their most popular MUGA surfaces, which is ideal not only for Tennis but other
sports including football and hockey.
Since the court has been installed usage of the court has seen an increase, not just to play tennis but also other sports. The club members are particularly delighted with the new surface as it simulates the look of a natural grass court.
Nurturing these values requires a stimulating and challenging environment where pupils can learn and develop their life skills not just within a classroom, but outdoors as well.
The school actively encourages pupils to embrace the outdoors with the introduction of sports from nursery levels upwards as part of the curriculum, and a vital part of this is having the right environment to thrive in.
Recently some areas of the school outdoor areas had become unusable and refurbishment was needed to bring some areas back to life. Wellington Prep contacted local playground specialists DBD play as they wanted to brighten up their play space and rejuvenate an unused area of their playground that was blocked off with posts.
They specified that this area had to be able to offer opportunities for nonphysical play and encourage communication and imaginative play.
DBD Play had installed Playrite’s MUGA surfaces at previous educational facilities and felt it would be an ideal solution to rejuvenate the unused areas. Specifying Playrite’s Matchwinner Velour in the bright and vibrant colour’s would highlight areas of interest within the ‘Trim Trail’ encouraging imaginative play and communication.
Playrite’s Matchwinner Velour surface is a sand dressed needlepunch surface, available in 14 different colours, and
enables designs to be inset into the surface which is ideal for primary spaces to make the area bright and bold.
Dan Brown, Playground Design Manager for dbd play, commented “With Playrite’s Matchwinner Velour vibrant
colours, it has enhanced the design and the overall experience for the children. We would highly recommend this surface for future projects.”
Here at Playrite, we manufacture needlepunch, tufted and woven artificial pitches, all from our home in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. As the only UK company to manufacture all three types of artificial pitches, Playrite is uniquely positioned to offer totally impartial advice on the type of surface to suit your needs.
With a keen focus on outdoor activities and embracing new ways to increase pupil participation, St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School wanted to create an area that could be accessible all year round to help broaden the range of sports and activities available to students. The school identified that one of their sport courts was underused and could be a viable option for redevelopment.
Playsound Services, a local installer, were approached by the school to provide a number of cost effective options that would revitalise the outdoor sports courts and allow pupils to engage in a range of sports and activities.
After consulting with Playsound Services the school opted to install an artificial grass surface as this would give them an area that would be usable all year round, with minimal cleaning maintenance required, all whilst within the allocated budget. As well as this, it will revitalise outdoor sports courts and allow pupils to engage in a range of sports and activities.
Playrite’s artificial turf range is manufactured using the finest material and traditional techniques to produce a high quality grass that features a natural look and feel.
Artificial grass has numerous benefits and can provide your club, school and home with a perfect surface to enjoy for years to come…
Want to know more? Contact our team today.
Playrite manufactures needle punch, tufted and woven artificial pitches, all from our home in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. As the only UK company to manufacture all three types of artificial pitches, Playrite is uniquely positioned to offer totally impartial advice on the type of surface to suit your needs.
Here are just a couple of reasons why you should choose a Playrite surface …
As a UK family-owned business dating back to 1873, Nation Floorcoverings is a company steeped in heritage and tradition. Twenty years ago, Playrite branched out as its own division to fulfill a niche in the market for a company to develop, design, and manufacture surfacing for sports and leisure. Today we are the only UK Company to manufacture needle punch, tufted, and woven surfaces all from our home in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Playrite aims to achieve and maintain market leadership in the sports surfaces market, by providing quality products and services of excellence through the constant development of people, products, and processes.
Our UK Manufacturing Process.
Playrite manufactures needle punch, tufted and woven surfaces, from its home in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
The company is privately owned by a family in Derbyshire who is committed to sourcing components from the UK whenever possible.
Quality and Accreditations.
All of our products are accredited by sports governing bodies and European standards for outdoor sports in compliance with ISO 9001. We also have …
Playrite is a division of National Floorcoverings, a UK family-owned group of companies dating back to 1873.
Our business has a combined experience in all types of flooring and Playrite is the only UK company to develop, design, and manufacture all three types of artificial surfaces for sports and leisure.
So, contact us today for your Playrite surface!
Working with French distributor EUROFIELD, the school identified that the new surface had to be suitable for the students to play a variety of sports including basketball and football. After some deliberation to determine what surface would provide the school with a long term solution, it was decided that Playrite’s Matchplay 2 surface would be the superior choice.
The Matchplay 2 synthetic surface has been designed with schools in mind, allowing them the opportunity to play multiple games in a single area making it ideal for any facility that is restricted in outdoor space but requires optimal usage all year round.
To ensure that the project would be completed to the highest standard, French contractors EPSL were employed to install the surface. Having previously installed Playrite products they had extensive knowledge and expertise working with these materials. It took over 1400m2 of Playrite’s Matchplay 2 to cover the outside area and resulted in an impressive sports court area which incorporates two colours to reflect the external colour scheme of the school. Since the surface has been installed, the school has been able to implement an all year round sports programme for the students to enjoy.
Kids Planet Nurseries are responsible for the care and education of over 10,000 children across 82 sites in the UK and are fully committed to providing a unique environment in which children are actively encouraged to explore, learn and interact with others.
When the Chesterfield site was created, the staff were eager to inspire more outdoor play. With limited outdoor space, they contacted Newby Leisure, Natural Playground Design & Build Specialists where the design team worked with the staff at Kids Planet to add their magic touch to bring to life such a small space. Unlike previous projects, there wasn’t the capacity for streams and stage areas so the design had to create a concept that encouraged risk and challenge play. Their signature clamber tree was introduced along with some of their smaller features such as a nature table and outdoor play shop.
In keeping with the natural look required as part of the overall design, Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 artificial grass was specified to complete the project. Playrite’s Nearlygrass collection has the look, touch, and feel of real grass, whilst providing a hard-wearing and durable surface which is an ideal solution for use with any school or nursery setting. Ensuring that outdoor play can take place all year round without the prospect of bringing the muddy outdoors inside, it is easy to maintain and keep clean. Not only is it soft to touch, if children fall, but they will also be supported by a cushioned surface.
Ashley Spink, Sales and Marketing Manager from Newby leisure, commented “Having worked with Playrite products on previous projects, we asked them to specify their most appropriate product for our client”. Ashley went on to say “The Nearlygrass products perfectly complement our designs, and visually enhanced the space to create a realistic grass surface that’s ideal for schools and nurseries. We wouldn’t hesitate to use Playrite surfaces for future projects’’.
Kids Planet Nurseries are responsible for the care and education of over 10,000 children across 82 sites in the UK and are fully committed to providing a unique environment in which children are actively encouraged to explore, learn and interact with others.
When the Davenport site wanted to completely redesign their outdoor area to house nothing but natural features,
they contacted Newby Leisure, Natural Playground Design & Build Specialists. Their experienced design team worked with the staff at Kids Planet to redesign their outdoor space to encourage role-play and push learning through play whilst children participate in outdoor teaching and learning.
As part of the design which included a stage area complete with seating, a reclaimed clamber tree to encourage children to climb and crawl and a shelter, the majority of the outside area was to be resurfaced. The previous surface was tired, dirty, and didn’t provide the children with a safe surface to protect against impact. With a natural look required as part of the overall design that would provide comfort should they fall, Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 artificial grass was specified to complete the project.
Playrite’s Nearlygrass collection has the look, touch, and feel of real grass, whilst providing a hard-wearing and durable surface which is an ideal solution for use with any school or nursery setting. Ensuring that outdoor play can take place all year round without the prospect of bringing the muddy outdoors inside, it is easy to maintain and keep clean. Not only is it soft to touch, if children fall, but they will also be supported by a cushioned surface.
Ashley Spink, Sales and Marketing Manager from Newby leisure, commented “Having worked with Playrite products on previous projects, we asked them to specify their most appropriate product for our client”. Ashley went on to say “The Nearlygrass products perfectly complement our designs, and visually enhanced the space to create a realistic grass surface that’s ideal for schools and nurseries. We wouldn’t hesitate to use Playrite surfaces for future projects’’.
Kids Planet Nurseries are responsible for the care and education of over 10,000 children across 82 sites in the UK.
They are fully committed to providing a unique environment in which children are actively encouraged to explore, learn and interact with others.
When the Shrewsbury site was created, the staff were keen to make it the home of outdoor adventures and offer a collection of entertainment for the children. They contacted Newby Leisure, Natural Playground Design & Build Specialists where the design team worked with the staff at Kids Planet to bring to life a unique collection of outdoor experiences.
As part of the design, the playground encompassed play streams which are excellent for water play, whilst creating a tranquil area for children to relax and read a story together. With a natural look required as part of the overall design, Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 artificial grass was specified to complete the project.
Playrite’s Nearlygrass collection has the look, touch, and feel of real grass, whilst providing a hard-wearing and durable surface which is an ideal solution for use with any school or nursery setting. Ensuring that outdoor play can take place all year round without the prospect of bringing the muddy outdoors inside, it is easy to maintain and keep clean. Not only is it soft to touch, if children fall, but they will also be supported by a cushioned surface.
Ashley Spink, Sales and Marketing Manager from Newby leisure, commented “Having worked with Playrite products
on previous projects, we asked them to specify their most appropriate product for our client”. Ashley went on to say “The Nearlygrass products perfectly complement our designs, and visually enhanced the space to create a realistic grass surface that’s ideal for schools and nurseries. We wouldn’t hesitate to use Playrite surfaces for future projects’’
Kids Planet Nurseries are responsible for the care and education of over 10,000 children across 82 sites in the UK, and are fully committed to providing a unique environment in which children are actively encouraged to explore, learn and interact with others.
When the Winnington site required a new lease of life needed for the outdoor area to deliver an enhanced outdoor experience, they contacted Newby Leisure, Natural Playground Design & Build Specialists. Their experienced design team worked with the staff at Kids Planet to incorporate different kinds of play into the scheme to offer the children the opportunity to experience contrasting sensory values. The final design incorporated elements that would help children develop fine and gross motor skills to help discover independence and positive self-esteem
As part of the design which included caves & streams, bridges, mud kitchen and sand play, the majority of the outside area was to be resurfaced. With a natural look required as part of the overall design, Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 artificial grass was specified to complete the project.
Playrite’s Nearlygrass collection has the look, touch, and feel of real grass, whilst providing a hard-wearing and durable surface which is an ideal solution for use with any school or nursery setting. Ensuring that outdoor play can take place all year round without the prospect of bringing the muddy outdoors inside, it is easy to maintain and keep clean. Not only is it soft to touch, if children fall, but they will also be supported by a cushioned surface.
Ashley Spink, Sales and Marketing Manager from Newby leisure, commented “Having worked with Playrite product on previous projects, we asked them to specify their most appropriate product for our client”. Ashley went on to say “The Nearlygrass products perfectly complement our designs, and visually enhanced the space to create a realistic grass surface that’s ideal for schools and nurseries. We wouldn’t hesitate to use Playrite surfaces for future projects’’.