Excitement Builds as the Physically Challenging Puzzlewood Circuit arrives at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School

Pupils at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School in Liverpool can now enjoy physical activity whilst developing their creativity and imagination.

Once plain, concrete surfaces have been transformed into challenging, physical hubs. Children can play together, developing control and coordination in different group situations.

Playground Consultant Ian Wood met with Deputy Headteacher Rachel Morrison to establish how St Gregory’s could create an interesting, active outdoor environment for all.

The Arrival of the Puzzlewood Forest Circuit

Keen to provide exciting, active equipment that would improve children’s confidence and control Ian opted for our amazing Puzzlewood Forest Circuit.

This piece has proven to be extremely popular and has made a huge difference to the Junior playground. There are numerous obstacles to conquer on the circuit which allows groups of friends to tackle the climber together.

Different levels ensure progression in skills and help to build pupils' climbing confidence. Gross and fine motor skills are strengthened as children learn to balance and develop core muscle strength.

This beautiful, quality piece is made from high-pressure treated timber and reinforced ropes ensuring it will serve pupils for many years.

When we interviewed pupils at St Gregory’s they stated that the Puzzlewood Circuit has greatly improved playtimes, giving them access to many more exciting games and challenges. Playtimes are now much more fun and children commented that their favourite activity was crossing the stepping logs at speed!

Pupils recognise that the new circuit helps them to burn off energy, and they have noticed that balance and muscle strength have improved when using the ropes to support their body weight.

Trim Trail Fun for Infant Pupils

Not to be left out, Infant pupils at St Gregory’s now have their own adventurous Trim Trail.

Pupils have been practising their problem-solving by carefully weaving their way across the many challenges.

The trail has specific sections to cater for all abilities, from the Zig Zag Log Bridge to the Step Rope Traverse to the super challenging Wobbly Logs!

Some adventurous gymnastic stars of the future have shown fantastic core strength by performing full turns!

The trail encourages pupils to test their own limits and peers have been helping each other to conquer different elements. Pupil confidence has soared when successfully tackling a section of the course for the first time or beating their record.

Deluxe Artificial Grass Playturf has reinvented the outdoor playground space, providing safe, active play zones.

Playturf is a softer, safer, all-weather surfacing that can be installed directly onto concrete flooring. The durable surface is extremely soft and tactile, so much so that children can’t resist sitting, rolling, stretching and relaxing!

St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School now have an active playground space which captures children’s interest and attention.

Pupils engage in purposeful, active play whilst developing relationships with others. Children acknowledge how their own fitness has improved thanks to their new equipment and the wide beaming smiles speak for themselves!