Hazelwood Primary School has a new Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) designed and installed by Enfield Council to help reduce flood risks and create a green play space for students.
The transformation provides a natural approach to flood protection for the school by converting the existing asphalt playground into a multifunctional green space filled with plants, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
To officially open the playground, the Leader of Enfield, Cllr Ergin Erbil, celebrated with the pupils and teachers by planting the first tree during a planting session on 25 October.
Commenting on the special occasion, Cllr Erbil said: “Climate action will continue to be at the heart of Enfield Council placemaking and design policy. This is why it is great to see Hazelwood School make impactful change by working with Enfield Council to install this feature.
“As our community continues to grow, it is essential that our response as a borough engages future generations at an early age. By incorporating SuDS into school environments, we can create educational opportunities to teach our children how to better protect our planet."
The design integrates natural play equipment, like large logs and stepping stones, offering a space for children to enjoy, play, and learn first hand about biodiversity, the environment, and climate change.
Enfield Council is committed to creating more natural and green spaces within urban settings to help reduce the risk of flooding and pollution.
The Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Public Spaces, Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu, said: “The new SuDS at Hazelwood School will cleverly manage excess rainwater by mimicking natural drainage systems, especially during heavy rainfall. The playground now has a beautiful feature which will also enhance and attract biodiversity for the pupils to enjoy, but most importantly, to keep their school building and the surrounding area safe from flooding and pollution.”
The project is funded by the Environment Agency and supported by S106 monies.
See Enfield Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024.
