Cordwalles hosts opening ceremony for new adventure playground

Cordwalles Junior School has opened a brand-new adventure playground with a huge range of equipment and obstacles for pupils.

The new playground, which was funded by Surrey County Council’s Small Community Project Fund, features an impressive array of challenging equipment designed to test children's agility, strength, and problem-solving skills. Pupils can swing across sturdy monkey bars, navigate wobbling balance beams, and climb over cargo nets.

The playground's most popular features include the three horizontal bars which challenge the children to build their core strength, spatial awareness and confidence.

In addition, the traverse wall system allows children to move sideways across textured climbing holds, developing their upper body strength and perception. Safety remains a top priority, with impact-absorbing astroturf surfaces.

The playground was opened last week at a special opening ceremony, attended by Trefor Hogg (Community Councillor), Jan Eaton (SSB chair), Lyndon Davies (Playspaces Manager) and Nicola Brotherton (GLF Schools Foundation).

Abi Moore, Headteacher at Cordwalles Junior School said:

“The long-awaited addition of an adventure playground in our school will create a vital hub for pupil's physical, social, and emotional development. Beyond simply being a place for break and lunchtimes, the playground will support pupils to forge friendships, develop crucial motor skills, and build confidence through age-appropriate physical challenges.

Mental health benefits are particularly relevant for our community, with research showing reduced anxiety and depression symptoms among children who regularly participate in outdoor education. The combination of physical activity, natural light exposure, and connection with nature has been shown to positively impact mood and emotional regulation, creating a foundation for better mental health outcomes throughout life.”

Head boy Theo commented that ‘This playground is also like an outside classroom where we can make new friends, play together and try new things’. Head girl Kinley remarked that it has been great to use the playground to think about navigating tricky balances and figure out puzzles.

The project was supported by Councillor David Lewis, Councillor Paul Deach and Councillor Trefor Hogg. Councillor Hogg attended the grand opening. He commented:

“It is wonderful to see the children so happy and enjoying something that is so good for them physically too, they are challenging themselves to try new activities which is also great for their mental health.

“I am a long-term supporter and admirer of the tremendous work of Cordwalles Junior School and our other GLF schools in Old Dean. We have worked together on many projects over the years. As County Councillor for Camberley East I am delighted to now be able to support the creation of an amazing new play facility. 

“This is thanks to a grant from Surrey County Council’s Your Fund Surrey Small Community Projects Fund allocation where I have been joined by colleagues in bringing together the funding needed.

“I hope the pupils of Cordwalles Junior School will enjoy the facility for many years and I look forward to my next project with our GLF schools.”

Cordwalles Junior School is a two-form mixed entry school based in Camberley, Surrey. The school joined GLF Schools in December 2013 and has classes from Year 3 to Year 6.

For more information or to arrange a visit please contact info@cordwalles.org