Play Corridor, Active Oxfordshire

Transforming a Public Walkway into an Active Community Space

Uniplay partnered with Active Oxfordshire once again to transform the entrance walkway at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre into a vibrant, interactive play corridor installation designed to encourage movement in public spaces. By combining our durable Endurance MMA surface covering system with high-quality preformed thermoplastic playground markings, we created an engaging, inclusive environment that promotes physical activity, community wellbeing and playful interaction.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful public realm design can transform everyday transitional spaces into powerful tools for encouraging active lifestyles.

Encouraging Physical Activity Through Public Space Design

Active Oxfordshire, through their Healthy Active Neighbourhoods programme, were working closely with the local community to identify ways to increase physical activity levels and improve neighbourhood wellbeing.

Following resident surveys, one consistent message emerged:

Families wanted more fun, interactive features in their local environment.

The idea of installing a play corridor outside the leisure centre developed as a way to encourage spontaneous activity before visitors even entered the building. Rather than a standard, functional walkway, the ambition was to create a dynamic and engaging entrance that would invite movement, play and interaction.

A community chalking workshop was organised, bringing together local families and a chalk artist to sketch ideas for what the corridor could include. Children suggested hopscotch, movement prompts, characters and playful challenges. Uniplay was then commissioned to turn these creative ideas into a permanent, high-quality outdoor installation.

Durable, Safe and Designed for Impact

To deliver a long-lasting, slip-resistant solution suitable for a high-footfall public environment, Uniplay implemented a two-stage installation process.

1. Endurance MMA Surface Covering Installation

We applied a Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) surface covering across the full length of the walkway in two complementary shades of blue. This visually defined the play corridor and created a striking, welcoming aesthetic at the leisure centre entrance.

Uniplay’s Endurance MMA surface covering was selected because it offers:

• Fast curing times (minimising disruption)
• Exceptional durability in public spaces
• Slip-resistant performance
• Strong colour retention
• Weather resistance for year-round use

This robust base ensures the play corridor will withstand heavy pedestrian use while maintaining its vibrant appearance.

2. Preformed Thermoplastic Playground Markings

To bring the community’s ideas to life, we installed high-performance preformed thermoplastic graphics. Thermoplastic markings are ideal for public realm projects because they provide:

• Bright, eye-catching colours
• Long-term durability
• Excellent adhesion
• Anti-slip properties
• Low maintenance requirements

The layout was carefully designed to create a natural movement journey along the corridor.

Interactive Features That Encourage Movement

The finished installation includes a sequence of playful prompts and graphics designed to stimulate physical activity and social interaction:

• Traditional hopscotch with “Star Jump” challenge
• “Hop 10 Times” movement zone
• “Follow the Dinosaur” footprint trail
• Alphabet snake pathway encouraging literacy and movement
• “Pop the Bubbles” interactive spot
• “Say a Joke” circle to encourage social engagement
• Motivational prompts such as “Keep Going”
• Friendly characters including dinosaurs, stars and an astronaut

Each element encourages jumping, hopping, balancing, laughing and exploring, turning a simple walkway into an active play experience.

The design creates flow, guiding visitors naturally from one activity to the next, reinforcing the idea that movement can be integrated into everyday journeys.

Activating Transitional Public Spaces

This play corridor installation demonstrates the power of active design in public spaces.

Rather than requiring new buildings or large-scale infrastructure, this project shows how existing walkways can be transformed into:

• Active travel routes
• Community engagement spaces
• Informal play environments
• Family-friendly leisure destinations

By embedding playful prompts into the built environment, Uniplay helped Active Oxfordshire create a welcoming entrance that supports healthier lifestyles and encourages children to be more active.

Importantly, the project was community-informed. Residents were directly involved in shaping the vision, strengthening local ownership and pride in the finished result.

Supporting Healthy Neighbourhoods

Encouraging movement in everyday settings is a key principle of modern public realm and healthy neighbourhood design. Small interventions, such as interactive floor graphics and thermoplastic playground markings, can significantly influence behaviour.

This project supports:

• Increased incidental physical activity
• Community wellbeing initiatives
• Engagement with leisure facilities
• Inclusive, multi-generational play
• Placemaking and regeneration goals

By transforming a functional space into a playful one, the corridor enhances the leisure centre’s role as a community hub.

Why Choose Uniplay for Public Realm Play Installations?

Uniplay specialises in designing and installing durable, high-quality play features that encourage activity in schools, parks, leisure centres and public spaces.

Our expertise includes:

• Thermoplastic playground markings
• MMA surfacing systems
• Public realm play design
• Leisure centre enhancements
• Community-led engagement projects
• Active travel route installations

We understand how to combine creativity, durability and safety to deliver projects that make a measurable difference to communities.

Creating Fun, Active Spaces Across the UK

The Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre play corridor is a powerful example of how public spaces can be reimagined to support healthier lifestyles. By blending community input with technical surfacing expertise, Uniplay delivered a vibrant, long-lasting installation that encourages movement every day.

If you’re looking to transform a walkway, leisure centre entrance or public realm area into an engaging active space, our team would be delighted to help.

Contact Uniplay today to discuss your project.