Landscaping for Playgrounds, Pools, and Outdoor Spaces: Creating Safe and Beautiful Environments

 When it comes to landscaping, functionality and beauty should always go hand in hand. A well-designed outdoor environment can transform a standard garden, playground, or swimming pool area into a safe, attractive, and inviting space that people of all ages can enjoy. One of the best modern solutions is resin bound rubber mulch, which provides durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal in a wide range of outdoor settings. Whether the goal is to create a fun play zone for children, a stylish poolside retreat, or a multipurpose outdoor area, thoughtful landscaping choices make all the difference.

Landscaping Around Playgrounds

As a parent, I’ve become especially conscious of the importance of safe, well-designed play areas. My daughter is home educated, so our local parks and the splash areas in Shropshire play a big part in her daily social life. It’s where she meets friends, runs about, and enjoys the freedom of play. Naturally, I want these spaces to be as safe as possible.

That priority was sharpened recently when a friend’s child had a serious accident, falling from a swing and breaking both wrists. It was a stark reminder of how quickly a fun outing can turn into something traumatic. Since then, I’ve paid even closer attention to the surfaces used in play areas, because while we can’t prevent every tumble, we can reduce the severity of the impact.

Playgrounds are places of joy, creativity, and physical activity all year round. However, they also need to be safe and low-maintenance. Natural grass may seem like the obvious choice, but it quickly becomes patchy with heavy use and can turn muddy after rain - we have come across huge muddy puddles under swings that make visiting the park a big no in the winter when we are off to the café afterwards. Bark chips and sand were once popular, but these can shift easily, require frequent topping up, and often conceal litter. In our local village park, the sand areas around an activity station is sadly always quite dirty and unhygienic feeling. Bark tends to be kicked about and looks really untidy.

Modern playground landscaping solutions focus on surfaces that provide:

• Shock absorption to reduce the impact of falls.

• Slip resistance to minimize accidents.

• Durability under constant use.

• Low maintenance for long-term cost savings.

Resin bound Rubber Crumb combines recycled rubber chippings with a specially formulated resin, creating a flexible yet durable surface that resists weeds, and provides excellent impact absorption, making it an ideal choice for playgrounds where safety is paramount. It’s not just practical, it can be designed to look fantastic too. Resin crumb surfaces come in a wide range of colours and can be laid out in eye-catching patterns, making play areas visually appealing as well as safe. They’re also low-maintenance, which is a real advantage for cash-strapped local authorities who need durable solutions without high upkeep costs. Thanks to their UV resistance, the colours stay bright and fresh, avoiding the shabby look that some older surfaces can develop. Importantly, resin crumb is also highly accessible. My disabled son’s SEN school, for example, has installed it across its play areas, using different colours to clearly mark out zones for different types of play, a brilliant way to combine safety, inclusivity, and creativity.

Resin Crumb in Local Play Areas & Splash Parks/Pools

In our town, we’re fortunate to have resin crumb flooring installed both around the play equipment in the main park and in the adjoining water splash park. Not only does it provide excellent shock absorption, but the designers have used it creatively, laying it out in vibrant patterns that looks fantastic. It’s not just a practical choice, it lifts the entire atmosphere of the space. I’ve seen first hand how children, including my daughter, are drawn to the colourful designs, running across the soft surface with confidence. It gives me peace of mind that if my daughter trips she will have a cushioned landing. Seeing her dash about with her friends, without me constantly worrying about scrapes or falls, is a relief. It means she gets the joy of childhood freedom, and I get the reassurance that she’s playing on a surface designed with safety in mind.


While Britain has a long tradition of outdoor swimming in lidos, which became popular during the 1930s as open-air public pools , the rise of splash parks is a more recent phenomenon. Unlike lidos, splash parks don’t require deep water, lifeguards, or strong swimming skills, making them far more accessible for young children and families. They typically feature fountains, jets, and interactive water play equipment set within a safe, shallow environment. The first modern splash parks in the UK began appearing in the early 2000s, often as part of council-led regeneration projects to provide inclusive, low-maintenance spaces for communities. Today, they’ve become a much-loved feature of many towns and cities, offering a safer, more playful alternative to traditional pools, particularly during the summer months.


Resin bound rubber mulch is an ideal surface for these environments and around swimming pools. Its benefits include: 

• Shock absorption: Reduces the risk of serious injury from falls.
• Permeability: Rainwater drains through, preventing puddles and slippery surfaces.
• Slip Resistant: The area will be constantly wet so a surface that provides a firm grip is essential, especially for young children and toddlers. As the material is porous, the water drains through so there are no puddles. 
• Durability: Stands up to heavy use and changing weather conditions.
• Low maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain compared to loose-fill surfaces like bark or sand. Every year the area is fully cleaned by the council before reopening after Easter.
• Design flexibility: Available in a wide range of colours and styles, allowing for creative layouts that can enhance the play experience.

Creating Spaces That Last

When landscaping around playgrounds, swimming pools, or splash parks, the goal should always be to create spaces that are as safe as they are enjoyable. Materials like resin bound rubber mulch meet this dual need, giving councils, schools, and community groups a reliable solution that balances practicality with creativity.

For families like mine, these choices matter. The difference between a basic play area and one with thoughtful, safe landscaping can mean hours of carefree play, friendships formed, and happy memories — without the looming worry of unnecessary accidents. As more towns and cities invest in high-quality surfaces (Rubber Crumb is very cost effective!) , they’re not just improving parks; they’re investing in the wellbeing of children and families who use them every day.

*Collaborative Post

Quarry Park Shrewsbury: a bridge, bells and boats

The River Severn runs through Quarry Park in Shrewsbury, the river itself drawing people to this area of town for centuries and due to its popularity as a walk by the well-to-do, the Mayor in 1719 had over 400 lime trees planted along these promenades. 

Throughout the 19th century the park grew, more pathways, the addition of benches for the genteel and those statues so typical of the Victorian worthies. The Shrewsbury Horticultural Society held its first show in The Quarry in 1875 and still does to this day.

Across the sprawling grass field where dogs run after sticks, couples sun bathe and children kick footballs is St Chad's Church with its rounded tower. It's a great experience to hear the bells ringing and to sit on the field with a cup of coffee from the kiosk (or make your own at home https://poundcoffee.com/best-super-automatic-espresso-machines/).) I then start to rhapsodise about change ringing and telling whoever will listen about the joys of pulling the ropes. A colourful fair is pitched up too for the thrill seekers but we are quite content with the football and a bag of snacks. 
Upon getting restless we went for a walk across the Porthill Bridge over the looping river by grand houses with small boats moored off pretty jetties. A popular pub, The Boathouse is on the other side, alive with people on the flowery terrace. Standing on the bridge, which being of the suspension variety does vibrate a fair bit much to the delight of the kids, we watched a dog having fun playing fetch into the river. Go on, one more time. Splash! Park watching, it's an entertainment. Even the statue of Hercules couldn't help but muster a tiny smile (well maybe) despite being ridiculed in his party hat.  

Quarry Park is in Shrewsbury town centre and there is nearby parking. On site there is a children's play area, an ice cream van usually in attendance and a coffee kiosk. Throughout the year there are many events held here such as the World Championship coracle boat racing in September.

Classical garden

 The Italian Gardens designed by Joseph Paxton in 1847; terraces, low hedges and a fountain centrepiece of Neptune/Triton leading down to a magnificent view of the parkland at Tatton. 

This was from a few weeks back when it was still all a bit chilly and I must admit that winter gardens are a bit of a quick visit for me as until there are blooms aplenty and bees buzzing around it can be a hurried glance, a snap or two and move on. The time of year I resort to armchair gardening and taking stock of my seed box contents. 
 However, a little bit of sunshine had me lingering around the primroses and the formal beds. I love primroses, can't get enough of them and the good old English cowslip or a simple yellow primrose are my favourites. 
 I enjoy the historical context of these gardens, the development of gardens generally and the grandeur but actually I can find them too sterile and pompous. Bring on the herbaceous borders and froth and fizz of the next few months. I'm going to renew my membership of a local garden that is just that and plan to visit plenty of the Yellow Book gardens that I find really exciting, poking around ordinary folks borders. Bet it would be fun to sweep down these steps in a beautiful dress though like Cinderella.  At the end of the Broad Walk is the Choragic Monument, Classical architecture based on that in Athens - a focal point. All very grand and that typical parkland landscape with long stretching vistas towards hills and clouds.   From grand scale to small scale, this week I am hoping to get some preparation done is my little back garden at home. A new fence, clearing away dead foliage and pulling  grass out of the cracks in the patio. The mini greenhouse will be getting busy and next week will be time for my steadily chitting spuds to be planted out at the allotment - can't wait. Rustic gardening with rough edges and wiggly paths make me the happiest.

Day tripping: Birkenhead Park

 Our day trips are always a magical, mystery tour. We aim to go a particular place and end up somewhere else, either by taking the wrong motorway junction, roadworks or a change in weather en route. The sun had broke through cloud mid morning to give the most intense hot day with little breeze and after sweltering around an urban farm, we had then headed to the coast at New Brighton. So it wasn't until the evening had officially started that we found ourselves at one of our original plans of the day - Birkenhead Park.

Two little gardens by the promenade

Following on from last week and the secret garden I found in London, this week I was ambling along on The Wirral Peninsula when I came across two public gardens tucked away behind the promenade at West Kirby. 

Castle Gardens Leicester

 Well due to the hideous weather of dull days, chilling to the bone coldness with gusts of wind sending half the garden pots in different directions like skittles, I am looking back to the warm day we had in Leicester doing King type things and immersing ourselves in Medieval history.

In between waiting for His Royal Richardness we visited Castle Gardens. Sunshine. Proper Spring. Now departed almost as soon as the tombstone was placed but no matter, this was our day and one that will always stay with me. And I nearly didn't go! Had one of those weird wake up at 3am moments and thought got so much work to do, best stay home but the sun through the curtains said, 'Ah forget the work, get to the Midlands'

A gentle autumn weekend

 A sunny autumn Sunday afternoon, driving around Cheshire admiring the colours of the trees and the blue sky. Pleasantly warm for this time of year. We took a trip to the farm shop, bought a few gourds and a pumpkin, gazed at cheeses in the deli and even had a look around the Christmas shop. Squeal! I know that Halloween should be well out of the way before indulging in fir trees, foil wrapped chocolates and gleaming baubles but I just could not resist. Little Bird was so good in such a crowded shop too so I felt full of happiness. A big achievement for my easily overwhelmed boy. I really want to snap a few pictures of the Christmas shop but didn't quite have the nerve too - it was so beautiful.

I saw a gorgeous old house for sale. Quirky entrance to it. One that begs to be loved and decorated. Adorned with pumpkins in October and holly in December. This is pretty much my ideal house except for the location. Busy crossroads and an animal feed works behind it. But the house. The house is my dream.
We stopped off at the town park. Strolled to see the chickens with feathers that match the autumn trees and collected lichen covered twigs for kindling. I love gathering nature up. Pinecones to make firelighters, logs to dry ready for the woodburner - such a satisfying task. 

Isn't the light at this time of year is so mellow and buttery, perfect photography light.
It was then time for apple pie at home. Made by DB with Bramley apples, a touch of lemon zest and cinnamon We still have a huge bag of apples to get through so next weekend crumble will be on the menu and maybe some other treats that are on my Pinterest sweet things board  Too many nice things tempting me and I really need to diet.  How on earth food bloggers stay slim I just do not know.

autumn illustration shutterstock

Rainy day exploring parks in Liverpool

Some last minute changes to plans meant  quick thinking as to where to go instead. We had all got up early so to just stop at home would have been a shame. Looking at the map, we decided to have a little trip to Liverpool and explore the parks. First stop was Otterspool Park. By the time we got there the wind had picked up and as we strolled alongside the River Mersey, the raindrops started. Hoods went up as we pushed on in the hope it was a quick shower......
It wasn't a quick shower! We legged it back to the cafe area for coffee and cake. In ended up being a take-out and back to the car as it was very busy and Little Bird did not like it at all. He was dragging me out saying 'I want door'. It was far too much for him to take in sensory wise with the amount of people and the echo of the room. You get used to this with a child on the spectrum but we are always happy to grab something and eat in the car instead or on nice days outside cafes. On a good spell we have eaten in places like Frankie and Benny's but at the moment LB is going through a highly sensitive stage. I know him so well and can judge what his capabilities are on any given day. Choose your battles.The Sitting Bull used to be part of the Liverpool Garden Festival that I went to as a child in 1984 people, yes 1984 when I was 6 and in Mrs Jones' class. Scary! I can still remember the socks I was wearing. Little ankle socks with a frilly trim. So random a memory. Refusing to be defeated by the rain we went to Sefton Park. I knew it had a Palm House and we could spend some time getting warm in there. I did not realise how huge the park was. It is immense. We passed a cute area known as Fairy Glen where a love/ghost story intrigues you and is a little creepy as you pass the waterfall. Worse than being spooked was that it was so slippy and we all nearly went over several times.   Hoorah, the Palm House and humid air ans exciting tropical plants. Nope. Not our day. Shut 15 minutes before we parked up. Big glum faces then pushed on in now torrential rain.  The goose was there with its gorgeous fluffy family, I guess they were enjoying the rain and it looked very pretty in the stream, like little stars gleaming everywhere. Water was cascading down the pathways resembling mini rivers. I had water dripping off my nose and the OH was soaked. Me and LB were in raincoats at least.  Little Bird was so, so happy though. In his wellies he stomped in puddles, danced across the flooding pathways and skipped along. Despite being cold, I just couldn't help but smile. It was the perfect day as far as my 4 year old was concerned. So we spent a while, basically getting soaked so one little boy could have a whale of a time. It certainly helps for his anxiety. Puddle splashing is good for your health. Then it was back to the car before it sailed away, soggy coats off, heating on, some snacks and a rainy drive home for cups of hot tea and some sofa time.