When we first walked the site at Willow Park, it was obvious: the school needed a space that worked for everyone - especially children in the ASD unit. The existing yard was plain, a bit dull, and often too wet or muddy after rain. That meant limited use, especially in colder months. The brief from Willow Park was simple but bold: “create an outdoor area that’s safe, low-maintenance, and engaging.” We liked the challenge. Our aim? Not just a flat patch of turf, but something with texture, flow, and zones that invite different styles of play.

We started by carefully preparing the ground - leveling, ensuring proper drainage, removing any dips. That groundwork is crucial: if the base fails, everything above will suffer. Once that was solid, we installed a specialist synthetic grass selected for school environments. It’s soft underfoot, resilient, built to stand up to heavy use - but also gentle enough for sensory play. In the final layout, we incorporated subtle color shifts and slight curves. These are not random: they help define spaces without harsh boundaries. Some areas are open for movement, others are quieter, more sheltered - ideal for moments when a child wants less stimulation. The transitions are smooth; nothing juts out to trip over.