Requirement

RTC Surfaces was invited by Playdale to help transform the Caersws play area in Powys, Wales.

The Caersws Recreation Association and volunteers had raised money to refurbish the playground with new inclusive equipment and surfacing.

Solution

After the new equipment had been installed by Playdale, RTC's team installed over 250m2 of wet pour safety surfacing complete with a bespoke Roman gladiator themed design.

The design included multiple Roman numerals, two large helmets and a temple along with two olive wreaths all set within the surface.

RTC's team used the initial drawing provided by Playdale to scale the design to the correct size, carefully drawing out each section by hand. Once the team leader was happy with the drawing, it was cut and hand-laid, ensuring that all colours, spacing and proportions matched the initial drawing. In addition to this, the team leader ensured that the correct depths of surfacing were installed to meet the relevant critical fall heights.

Benefits of wet pour surfacing

Wet pour is the perfect safety surface for a project like this as it allows for sharp, crisp graphics enabling the design to stand out no matter where on the play area visitors are standing.

RTC's wet pour has also been tested for slip-resistance and is impact-absorbent to help reduce the risk of head injuries, keeping children safe as they play on the newly-installed equipment. In order to meet the critical fall heights of the new equipment, RTC's team installed the surfacing at a depth of 40 and 80mm, being mindful that all transition between depths were gradual and barely noticeable and would not cause a trip hazard.