Project Summary
We recently installed playground surfacing for Leicester City Council on a site with limited access and shaped ground. The work involved laying the Notts Sport ChildsPlay shock pad system, with Notts Sward on top. The surface followed the client’s colour design and was shaped over multiple mounds. The finished result is clean, well fitted, and a clear improvement to what had become a tired play area.
The site wasn’t straightforward. Access was poor, which made moving materials and equipment more challenging than usual. Still, we completed the full install without compromising on finish or spec. The surface now adds value to the wider site and is ready for use alongside any outdoor playing equipment the council adds later.
Working with a Difficult Site
The site layout made access difficult. There was no easy route for large deliveries, and space on-site was tight. These issues are common on older urban play areas, so we weren’t surprised. We planned for it and got on with the work.
We adjusted our approach to suit the conditions. That meant managing the flow of materials, adapting the work sequence slightly, and keeping the site tidy as we progressed. Even though access was limited, we didn’t need to change the system or the layout. We installed everything as originally intended.
These kinds of adjustments come with experience. As playground surfaces installers, we’ve worked on enough awkward sites to know what to expect. That helps us stay efficient, avoid delays, and keep the standard of the finished surface high.
Installation Process
The surface system was provided by Notts Sport and included two main layers. We started with the ChildsPlay shock pad, laid across the full play area as a safety base. This formed a solid foundation and covered all ground features, including several shaped mounds.
On top of this, we installed the Notts Sward layer. This is the visible wear surface, and it was supplied in specific colours based on a layout provided by the client. Our job was to install it exactly to that design, following the colour transitions and fitting it neatly around the contours of the site.
Working over mounds adds complexity, but the system performed well. It handled the shaped ground easily. The materials followed the contours without creasing, pulling, or leaving gaps. That reflects the flexibility of the system and the care we took during the install.
Finish and Appearance
The finished playground surfacing is a big improvement. The area had been worn and faded. With the new surface, the site now looks fresh and ready for use. The colours are bold and clear, matching the client’s design exactly. Even without any outdoor playing equipment installed yet, the space already feels usable and defined.
The mounds are now fully surfaced, with clean joins and consistent tension across each slope. There are no rough edges, lifting corners, or patch repairs. The surface looks sharp from every angle.
We’re confident in the result. The surfacing meets all the performance expectations for a space like this and adds clear value to the wider play area redevelopment.
What This Project Shows
This install highlighted two key things:
- The Notts Sport system works well, even on uneven or shaped ground. It’s flexible, consistent, and reliable over elevation changes.
- A high-quality finish depends on proper installation. The material alone isn’t enough, you need a team that takes the time to fit it properly.
At Bingham Ground Services, we focus on getting the basics right. Good preparation, steady work, and tight finishing. That approach worked well on this job, just as it has on many others.
Summary
We installed new playground surfacing for Leicester City Council on a difficult site. The project used the Notts Sport ChildsPlay system with Notts Sward on top, laid across both flat and mounded areas. The layout followed a colour design from the client and was installed exactly to spec.
Despite the poor access, we carried out the full install without delay or change to the system. The finished surface is consistent, safe, and visually clear. It now forms the base for future use with new outdoor playing equipment.
This project reflects what we do best as experienced playground surfaces installers. We don’t overcomplicate things. We follow the plan, adapt to the site, and finish every job to a high standard.
If you need reliable play surfacing, even on awkward or restricted sites, we’re ready to deliver. Click here for a free site survey!
