As part of the redevelopment of its outdoor space, Nutsschool Oldenzaal has incorporated ONE-DNA™ Play artificial grass into a newly designed schoolyard.
The project forms part of a broader effort to create an attractive outdoor environment that combines natural elements, play opportunities, and space for physical activity throughout the year.
Balancing nature and play
Many schools are redesigning their outdoor spaces to include more greenery, planting, and natural features while also creating areas where children can play, exercise, and gather.
In locations that experience intensive daily use, maintaining a consistent playing surface can sometimes be challenging. As part of its design process, Nutsschool Oldenzaal evaluated different options for these high-use areas.
According to teacher Niek Withag:
We chose artificial grass because it allows students to use the play area throughout the year. In every class there are children who enjoy playing football or hockey. Our experience is that heavily used natural grass areas can wear quickly, especially during periods of intensive use and wet weather.
Material choice
For the project, the school selected ONE-DNA™ Play artificial grass, a product with a single-polymer construction, designed for recycling.
The choice was based on a combination of practical performance requirements, aesthetics, and considerations related to material composition and end-of-life management.
Niek Withag explains:
The fact that the product is based on a single material was one of the aspects that appealed to us. We also appreciated the natural appearance of the surface and how it integrates with the overall design of the schoolyard.
Supporting year-round use
The completed play area provides students with a durable surface that can be used throughout the school year while remaining consistent in appearance and functionality.
Combined with the surrounding greenery and natural elements, the project demonstrates how schools can create outdoor environments that support both recreation and learning.
We thank Nutsschool Oldenzaal for its collaboration and are proud to have contributed to this project.
Related: Playgrounds · Products
