When Wave Multi Academy Trust (WAVE MAT) asked Rhino Play for their recommendations as to the playground equipment available for their awkward outdoor space at their Barnstaple-based school, the team had a challenge on their hands.

The available outdoor space was tightly constrained by tall perimeter fencing that narrowed at one end, with limited room for the ‘invisible’ falling spaces required around all playground equipment under safety regulations.
A previous design proposed by another company had failed to account for these spatial restrictions, meaning their planned timber trim trail could not safely fit the area.
Stuart Hunt, Head of Sales, Advice and Design at Rhino Play, carried out a detailed site assessment and created a bespoke layout that worked within the tight confines - something only possible through accurate on-site measurement and experienced design work.

The decision to specify recycled plastic equipment rather than timber was driven by the site's environmental conditions. Sheltered by high fencing and surrounded by trees, the area receives limited airflow and remains constantly damp - conditions that cause traditional timber equipment to deteriorate far more rapidly than in open, exposed locations.

Stuart Hunt had this to say about the project: "This was a project where getting the details right really mattered. The space was challenging, the winter conditions were tough, but most importantly, the children who use this school deserve facilities that are built to last. Recycled plastic was the clear choice for future maintenance - it won't rot, it doesn't need treating, and it means these pupils have a trim trail they can use all year round, whatever the weather.

“WAVE MAT have used our recycled plastic equipment across several of their sites now and have seen firsthand how it performs compared to timber, particularly in Devon's wet climate. That real-world experience across their estate is what's driving the shift, and we're seeing more and more multi-academy trusts making the same decision.

The installation involved excavating existing turf and soil to create a level base for the new wet pour rubber surfacing, which allows safe, all-weather use. Despite tight access to the site, the project was completed smoothly, delivering a linked low-level trim trail that maximises every inch of the available space.
The pupils come to this school at various points throughout their schooling, usually as a result of their school placement having broken down, so the addition of a facility like this really helps them to focus their physical energy and frustrations, as well as interacting with others in a safe, controlled environment.”

About Rhino Play
Rhino Play specialises in creating bespoke, sustainable, and inclusive playground designs that inspire learning, creativity, and physical development. Based in Devon, their experienced team works closely with schools, councils, and community groups across the UK to deliver high-quality playground solutions built to last.