Transforming an ASD Unit Playground with Schools Grass

A Safe, All-Weather Play Space for Children with Additional Needs

This project took place at Scoil Bhríde in Kilbride, Clonee, Co. Meath - a vibrant and welcoming primary school with a dedicated ASD unit. The school wanted to breathe life into an underused outdoor space and create something truly special: a safe, accessible, and all-weather play area where every child, regardless of need, could play freely and confidently. Our mission? To turn that vision into a durable, low-maintenance reality using a high-quality artificial grass solution tailored for schools. And that’s exactly what we did.

Outdoor play is essential - especially for children who thrive on structure, movement, and sensory input. But in Ireland, with its famously unpredictable weather, many schoolyards become off-limits for much of the year. At Scoil Bhríde, the team wanted a solution that could keep up with the Irish climate and provide a consistent, worry-free outdoor experience for their ASD unit.

The play space they had was serviceable in good weather but couldn’t offer year-round usability. It would often become slippery and damp after rainfall, making it unsuitable for active play. This wasn't just a surface problem - it limited vital opportunities for exercise, fun, and freedom.

So they reached out to us at Schools Grass, Ireland’s leading experts in safe surfacing for educational environments. With over two decades of experience, we understand the demands schools face and how to meet them with smart, lasting solutions.

After meeting with the school’s principal and special education team, we set to work designing a play area that checked every box: safety, practicality, and longevity.

Our premium SUPER grass was the perfect choice for this project. With its lush 50mm pile height, it offers a thick, cushioned surface that feels soft underfoot - exactly what’s needed in a child-focused play zone. It’s also backed by a 10-year guarantee, giving the school complete peace of mind.

We installed a shockpad underlay beneath the grass to meet HIC (Head Injury Criterion) safety standards. The area was designed to be low-maintenance, mud-free, and usable all year round. No more rain delays. No more off-limits zones. Just safe, accessible outdoor fun - whenever the timetable allows.

The final surface was a clean, green expanse: calming to look at, soothing to touch, and purpose-built for sensory-sensitive users. It’s not just a practical upgrade - it’s a space that supports wellbeing and encourages movement in a calm, grounded environment.

What We Installed:
-Our SUPER grass with a plush 50mm pile height - child-friendly, soft, and built to last
-A shock-absorbing underlay to meet critical HIC safety standards
-Fully permeable drainage system for quick drying and year-round usability
-A 100% child-safe, non-toxic surface with a natural feel
-Simple, all-green layout for a consistent and non-distracting environment
-Hassle-free maintenance - no mud, no mowing, no mess