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At Synthetic Turf Management (STM), we’re trusted playground installers specialising in high-quality, synthetic turf play areas for schools, councils, and community organisations across the UK. With over a decade of experience, we help create safe, durable, and all-weather playgrounds designed to suit every age group and educational setting.
From site consultation through to surfacing and aftercare, our in-house teams deliver seamless playground installation services backed by safety accreditations and industry-best practices. Whether you're a school planning a new active zone or a contractor seeking a reliable subcontractor for outdoor surfacing, STM is here to help.
We’ve worked with hundreds of organisations across the UK to deliver safe, attractive outdoor play environments. Our clients include:
Primary and secondary schools
Early years and nursery providers
SEN (special educational needs) schools
Local councils and parish groups
Community and public recreation areas
Main contractors and sports consultants
No matter the size or complexity of your site, we’ll guide you through the process and deliver a tailored solution that works.
As professional school playground installers, STM offers end-to-end solutions tailored to your vision and budget. Our services include:
Full design and planning support
We assess your space, advise on surfacing options, and provide visual plans and layouts.
Surface specification and supply
Choose from premium synthetic surfaces like rubber crumb, sand-dressed artificial turf, or shockpad systems designed for impact protection.
Groundworks and base preparation
We ensure stable, long-lasting foundations that protect your investment.
Synthetic turf surfacing
Expert installation using STM’s durable, low-maintenance turf – suitable for play, sports, and all-weather use.
Optional extras
We can incorporate sports markings, perimeter fencing, ball walls, and bespoke features like seating or branded turf designs.
All of our designs are compliant with BS EN standards and can be tailored to suit age group, curriculum needs, and physical ability levels.
Ideas for making play areas even more fun for children
There are ways of creating play areas that give kids the opportunity to enjoy their time outdoors to the fullest. This not only makes the area more accessible, but incredibly exciting and lots of fun too, and since there is something for everyone, makes it ideal for children of all ages.
Designing a customised play area means that you are creating a space that will let children have loads of fun, yet at the same time, help them in the development of their cognitive skills.
There are several amazing ideas to consider incorporating to create a fun and exciting children’s play area, and these include:
Additionally, you must understand that the markings, features, and colours are crucial to what goes into a play area. Therefore, it is best to include a few details while the play area is being separated into sections. This plays a significant role in giving the kid’s imagination and creativity a big boost.
Our playgrounds are designed around synthetic turf, offering a softer, safer, and more versatile surface than traditional materials.
Benefits include:
Shock-absorbing properties to reduce the risk of injuries
All-weather usability – ideal for UK schools and councils
Slip-resistant surfacing, even in damp conditions
Low maintenance – no mowing, muddy patches, or seasonal closures
Vibrant design options, from coloured turf zones to game markings
STM’s surfacing helps children enjoy outdoor play year-round, safely and confidently.
Choosing STM means partnering with a team that understands the unique requirements of school and public-sector playgrounds. Our credentials speak for themselves:
Over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality play areas across the UK
SAPCA-accredited for play and sports construction
CNS Health & Safety partnership ensuring safe practice from start to finish
All teams are fully trained, insured and DBS-checked
Bespoke designs created for your specific setting and user group
Proven record working with schools, trusts, and councils
Learn more about our values and approach on the About STM page.
Every project begins with understanding your needs. Our streamlined process includes:
Initial consultation and site survey
We assess your space and recommend surfacing solutions that match your goals and budget.
Design and planning
Our team creates a bespoke plan with layouts, dimensions, and visuals.
Installation by in-house experts
Our experienced teams complete all groundworks and surfacing to the highest standard.
Final handover and optional aftercare
We ensure your site is clean, safe, and ready for use – and offer maintenance plans if needed.
Explore our MUGA Playground Services to see how we help schools get more from their outdoor space.
Can you create a playground for a small space?
Yes. We regularly install compact play areas using custom-shaped surfaces and space-efficient markings.
Is your surface suitable for all age groups?
Absolutely. We tailor each project to the age range of users — from EYFS to secondary.
How long does installation take?
Most projects are completed within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on size and scope.
Do you handle planning permissions?
We can guide you through planning requirements and work alongside your team if permissions are needed.
If you’re planning a new playground surface or want to upgrade your current play area, STM is here to help.
Contact us to arrange a free site visit and consultation, or take a look at our Completed Projects to see what’s possible with STM.
