Trim Trail at St Mary’s Primary School Draperstown

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Introduction

At St Mary’s Primary School in Draperstown, creating opportunities for active, engaging learning was a key priority. To support this, Creative Activity partnered with the school to design and install a bespoke trim trail - transforming outdoor space into a dynamic environment that supports both play and development.

Background & Vision

Trim trails are designed to encourage movement, balance, and coordination through a mix of high- and low-level equipment. Suitable for children of all abilities, they can be fully customised to fit available space while promoting safe, active play.

At St Mary’s, the vision was to go beyond a traditional playground - creating a space that would actively contribute to pupils’ physical development and overall learning experience.

The Challenge

The school wanted to introduce more structured physical activity into the day while ensuring inclusivity, safety, and long-term value.

They needed a solution that would:

• Engage pupils of all abilities
• Support physical development
• Fit seamlessly within their outdoor space
• Be delivered efficiently with minimal disruption

Solution

Creative Activity worked closely with the school to design a tailored trim trail that met their specific needs.

With a flexible and collaborative approach, the team ensured the process was smooth from concept to completion, providing guidance, adapting to requirements, and maintaining clear communication throughout.

The final installation combined a variety of equipment to encourage climbing, balancing, and coordination - creating a space that is both fun and purposeful.

Results & Impact

The trim trail has quickly become an integral part of daily school life, not just a place for play, but a valuable learning tool.

Pupils are now:

• Developing core muscle strength
• Improving upper body strength
• Enhancing balance and coordination
• Building grip strength and physical confidence

As the school highlighted, the benefits go far beyond the playground. By encouraging active physical play, the trim trail supports children to grow, develop, and thrive.

Feedback

Corinne Coyle, Principal – St Mary’s Primary School, Draperstown:

“Our fabulous trim trail isn’t just a place for pupils to have fun or take a break from learning - it’s a key, fundamental part of their development.

We see children building core strength, improving upper body strength, balance, coordination and grip. The benefits go far beyond the playground.

Creative Activity were a fabulous partner for this initiative. Gavin was always at the other end of the phone, incredibly flexible, and helped make the whole process smooth.

It has been a fabulous success - so thank you to Creative Activity.”

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