Playgrounds and the Weather: Planning for All Seasons

In the UK, weather isn’t just a background consideration — it’s a core part of playground planning.

From summer heatwaves to winter downpours, a play space that’s not built with the elements in mind will quickly show signs of wear. Slippery surfacing, waterlogged zones, faded equipment and long-term drainage issues are all common complaints — and most of them can be avoided with the right design and installation choices upfront.

Here’s what to consider when planning a playground that works whatever the weather.

1. Drainage Isn’t Optional

Poor drainage is one of the most common reasons for play areas becoming unusable — and one of the most preventable.

Whether it’s standing water on a safety surface, muddy grass under a swing or a constant puddle at the gate, drainage problems affect:

• Usability

• Safety

• Maintenance costs

• Lifespan of surfacing and fixings

Great drainage starts with proper groundwork. That might mean regrading the site, installing a drainage layer beneath the surface, or specifying permeable materials like porous wet pour.

If you’re working in an older site with legacy issues, drainage can still be improved during a refurb or resurfacing phase — but it needs to be considered carefully.

2. Choose Materials That Weather Well

The UK climate is tough on outdoor materials. Heat, frost, moisture and UV exposure all take their toll — especially in coastal or exposed locations.

We always consider:

• Timber treatment and moisture resistance

• Fade resistance of coloured plastics and surfacing

• Steel components with anti-corrosion finishes

• Shade and shelter to reduce UV impact

• The risk of slippery surfaces in frost, rain, or leaf fall

Specifying weather-resilient materials helps avoid early degradation and keeps the space looking better for longer.

3. Think About Year-Round Usability

A lot of playgrounds are designed with peak summer use in mind — but children (and schools) use them year-round.

Simple features can massively improve usability in colder months:

• Hardstanding or surfaced paths between zones

• All-weather surfacing in high-wear areas (like under swings or at entry points)

• Covered or partially sheltered areas for shade and rain

• Good access for site staff to maintain and clean through the seasons

We’ve seen spaces transformed just by replacing worn grass with durable surfacing in key zones — creating year-round value without a full redesign.

4. Surfacing Makes the Biggest Difference

When it comes to weather performance, surfacing is where most sites sink or swim (literally).

Some considerations:

• Wet pour is great for drainage but needs proper edging and sub-base prep

• Loose fill like bark can get waterlogged and degrade quickly if not maintained

• Grass mats can work well, but struggle in high-wear or shaded areas

• Artificial grass needs regular upkeep and good drainage underneath

We often help schools and councils phase their surfacing upgrades — targeting the worst zones first and building a longer-term plan.

5. Maintenance Plays a Role Too

No site stays weatherproof forever without upkeep. Even the best drainage will struggle if debris blocks outlets, or moss builds up in corners.

Seasonal maintenance helps keep things safe and usable:

• Clearing drains and outlets

• Power-washing surfacing

• Treating timber annually

• Removing leaves or algae from slip-risk areas

• Repainting or recoating exposed metals

A little care goes a long way — and prevents bigger problems later.

Final Thought

In the UK, weatherproof playgrounds aren’t a luxury — they’re a necessity.

By thinking carefully about drainage, surfacing, material choices and year-round use, you can create a space that lasts longer, stays safer, and works for children in every season.

We help schools and councils across the country plan and install play spaces that can handle whatever the forecast throws at them. If you’re facing weather-related issues on your current site — or planning a new one — we’re happy to help.