Jurassic play trail

In 2011, we donated stone to create a unique Jurassic Play Trail at Watermead Country Park in Leicestershire. Recognised for its innovative design, the project won the Children's Play category in the Local Government News (LGN) 2011 Street Design Awards.

Tarmac works with Leicestershire County Council to maintain roads in the area, and donated material to the Play Trail via its Midlands Quarry Products (MQP) joint venture company. Large granite boulders from MQP’s Cliffe Hill quarry at Ellistown created the striking play trail.

Features at the Jurassic Play Trail include a rib cage climbing frame, a Plesiosaur play mound (made from the granite boulders), and a mini ‘Stonehenge’. As well as a children’s play area, the trail celebrates the area’s prehistoric past.

This includes a four-foot Plesiosaur fossil (nicknamed ‘Kipper’), found near Barrow-upon-Soar; a ‘Charnia masoni’ fossil discovered in the Charnwood Forest; and the famous Rutland Dinosaur (a Cetiosaurus), which is now in Leicester’s New Walk Museum.

Harvey Cullen, contract manager at Tarmac National Contracting, said: “We have a long-term relationship with Leicestershire County Council and were delighted to contribute to this fantastic local project. The donation from MQP has helped to transform this space into an award-winning prehistoric play area that combines fun and learning.”