Time for a challenge

Large structures

Brand new from Supertramp is its outdoor play system, Action Station, designed for the age range two to 12 years. The Ultima Action Station, which is suitable for older children, has an impressive height and a wide range of activities. It features two split level platforms, a tall tower with a canopy, a ladder for access and descent, and a 3m-long 'wave' slide.

In addition there is a soft climbing grid, timber climbing walls and a fireman's pole. At the lower level a pair of wall panels create a viewing platform. The Ultima (right) costs 1,228 including the Underden.

Additional extras, such as a 'base station', an enclosed net bridge and a monkey ladder are also available at extra cost.

Telephone 0800 1971897 www.supertramp.co.uk

Timberline wooden play structures are a familiar sight in many school playgrounds throughout the country. The company was started by two Yorkshire nursery proprietors who couldn't find the outdoor equipment they wanted and decided to make it themselves. The Highlander system (shown below) is available in two different heights and in three sizes - Solos, Duos and Trios. In Solo form it offers a number of play activities; with the addition of the Duo and Trio systems the play possibilities become almost endless. Priced from Pounds 1,249 for the basic Highlander structure.

Last year Timberline opened a new, dedicated display site near Marlow in Buckinghamshire where you are able to view most of the company's play structures. There are other display sites throughout the UK. Contact Timberline for more information.

Telephone 0845 606 6475, www.timberline.co.uk

TP has a great range of modular galvanised steel structures which come with a lifetime guarantee against rust. Its Explorer and Challenger climbing systems are very versatile with height variability and plenty of extension possibilities. One such extension is Tower Bridge (shown above) which should offer sufficient thrills for children up to 12 years. At its full height the Tower measures 2.8m and has a turret with an extendable gantry which can be crossed from above or below and a fireman's pole. Please note that this is not a stand-alone product and must be attached to either an Explorer or Challenger. The cost will, obviously, depend on the combination you choose but, as a price guide, the basic Challenger Climbing Frame is 160 and Tower Bridge is 200. An additional Tower Bridge platform and a Tower Bridge Walkway Kit are 19.95 each.

Telephone 01299 872800 www.tptoys.com

The Atlantic Challenge (below) from Playline Design should certainly help to keep children fit. It consists of a vertical climbing net, overhead ladder, steel pole climb, chain pull-up, flexible ladder, climbing wall, ladder and ring swing. Priced 3,550.

Telephone 01626 363262 www.playlinedesign.co.uk

Everyone loves to swing and for older children the Hout-land double swing/ladder and climbing net (below) are ideal. Hout-land products are constructed from softwood trees from managed forests with a deeply impregnated preservative and are suitable for children up to 12 years. All the play structures are modular so can be added to as wished. The structure shown here costs 595.50, including VAT and delivery. You will find lots more Hout-land products in the Supertramp catalogue.

Contacts as before

The Kettler Jumbo Slide is one of the largest domestic slides available in the UK. It stands 195cm high with a 325cm slide and incorporates a galvanised steel safety chute and non-slip safety treads. There are handrails on both sides of the steps and a central support bar for extra rigidity. Priced Pounds 159.95.

Telephone 01527 591901 www.kettler.co.uk

Fawns Recreational Services has an interesting range of tower structures in its Hollywood range, with appealing names such as Apollo, Matrix, Twister and Meteor. The structures are made from 'machined round logs' with colourful, polyethylene panels and there is a height option of 600, 900, 1,200 or 1,500mm for the tower deck. Features include side rope wall, fireman's pole, slide, log climber and scramble net. There are many standard tower options available, but you can also have a tower built using the options of your choice. Priced from 1,461.

Telephone 01252 515199 www.fawns.co.uk

Check out the Hand Made Places catalogue for its attractive selection of Climbarounds. These have been designed with the belief that physical play should be mainly non-prescriptive and there are deliberately no start or finish points to the equipment. The impressive range incorporates ropewalks, balance beams, ladders, trapeze rings, rock holds, climbing nets, platforms, fireman's pole, pull-up ramps, slides, rope tunnels and bridges. Only European softwoods from sustainable sources are used and all timber comes with a 15-year guarantee against rot and fungal decay. Prices on application.

Telephone 01420 474111 www.handmadeplaces.co.uk

Barbara Butler's Extraordinary Structures for Kids were introduced into the UK at the end of last year and are definitely at the luxury end of the market. Barbara Butler is an American artist and sculptor whose structures have apparently proved very popular with a number of American celebrities.

Initially her designs were for the domestic market but are now also being aimed at schools and nurseries. The new UK range includes 58 different designs of playhouses, forts, play structures and public play systems together with matching accessories. All products are made from Douglas Fir timber, finished in china wood oil stains. The Texas Towers (shown top right) feature a two-storey, open tower with roof, rung ladder, super slide, firepole, knotted rope climb, crazy bar climb, 2.75m bridge over two swings, swinging bridge, octagon tower with roof, turbo tube slide, rock climbing, big step stacking fort, rope net ladder and 6.1m of hand-over-hand bars in T-formation. Dimensions are 12.8(l) x 8.4(h) x 4.88(w)m. It costs 47,744, not including delivery and installation, so will certainly provide your fundraising group with something of a challenge! Individual items start from Pounds 5,000.

Telephone 01560 600115 www.barbarabutler.co.uk

Trails

These are becoming increasingly popular in schools as they help to develop team building and leadership skills. The Fantasy Funrun range from Wicksteed Leisure is designed for an age range from five to 16. There are eight standard trail configurations and features include a rolling barrel, station run, alpine crossing, log run, 'bigfoot' crossing, switchback run and six step links. All systems are totally flexible to suit your play area and the age of the children. Priced from 5,439.

Telephone 01536 517028 www.wicksteed.co.uk

There is an interesting selection of pre-designed trails from Hand Made Places (prices on application) which are designed to fit any location.

These trails can be added to as and when possible and are, the company claims, a mostly low level, low supervision and cost-effective addition to your outside area.

Contacts as before

Footprint Trails from Fawns are designed for a wide age range and there are several ways in which you can buy your trail. You can either choose a Standard Trail (shown below), which has a low or high level option, combine Standard Trails, modify a Standard Trail, or create your own trail from the many units available. Ropes are made from reinforced steel, conforming to BS EN 1176, and all timber carries a 20-year guarantee. Prices on application.

Contacts as before