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Our Scout group wishes to spend some funds on some sort of outdoor traversing wall.
As the car park where it would go cannot be secured and is prone to vandalism, the thinking is to have some sort of system of permanent posts which we can attach traversing walls to when we want them.
Anyone know if that's viable? I'd think tne boards would be a bit heavy for popping on and off. Also I assume some sort of matting/soft landing would be needed?
Any thoughts/experience/links would be appreciated
Anyone know if that’s viable?
It is, but likely a hassle. Portable wall on a trailer? Deal with the vandals? Bolt them on somewhere local - e.g. partner with the school up the road or the park down the way...?
I’d think tne boards would be a bit heavy for popping on and off.
I agree- because they will need reinforcing somehow. Lifting them on, ensuring they are secured and not falling on someone will need to be thought through.
Also I assume some sort of matting/soft landing would be needed?
Yes you need to think about fall zones and impact attenuating surfaces. Can just be grass / sand / woodchip below 1.5m. Needs design stage risk assessment, ongoing inspection, SOP's and tell your insurers.
Thanks Matt, you've confirmed some of my worries. I guess we do have space to make a permanent fixture but the costs with a landing zone would be more than we'd be wanting to stretch to, leaving aside the vandal issue
For low walls, landing zones are not expensive.
But if the wall is that low, will it be enjoyable and engaging enough?
My daughters primary school have a long traversing wall in the playground. The holds are drilled/fixed directly to the brick wall of the school. The foot holds are about 12" off the tarmac playground with no additional safety measures.
As her constantly worn out, scuffed school shoes show, and seeing the kids play it is extensively used by kids of all ages. Some thought was given to the route planning and colour coding of the holds, the kids regularly compete to see who can complete the route only on 'blues' or 'oranges' etc.
It's a great resource and has provided hours of fun for our kids.
The holds came from (the superb)
But if the wall is that low, will it be enjoyable and engaging enough?
Traversing walls are brilliant for stamina training. My favourites years ago were Altrincham sports centres (great fudge cake in the cafe too) and Barnsley (big bridging move over the entrance doors to complete the circuit).