Calculating Fun: Groundwork Yorkshire Designs the UK’s First ‘Maths Playground’

Sketch Design

Summary: Groundwork Yorkshire has designed the UK’s first dedicated Maths Playground in Hall Park, Horsforth, as part of the Leeds ‘City of Maths’ initiative. This project uses interactive landscape design to help children engage with mathematical concepts through physical play and outdoor discovery.

What is the Leeds Maths Playground project?

At Groundwork Yorkshire, we believe that the best classrooms do not always have four walls. We are proud to announce that we have been commissioned by Leeds City Council to produce the sketch designs for a pioneering project: the UK’s very first Maths Playground.

Located in the heart of Hall Park, Horsforth, the space will serve as a permanent landmark for the Leeds City of Maths initiative—a vibrant two-year celebration of patterns, puzzles, and play.

How does the design bring mathematics to life?

While mathematics is often confined to textbooks, it is actually woven into the world around us—from the symmetry of a leaf to the geometry of a climbing frame. Our design team has created a space where children can explore these concepts through movement.

To ensure the best outcome for the community and our partners at the Council, we produced three distinct design options:

  • Option 1: A large-scale immersive geometric landscape.
  • Option 2: Integrated play equipment focusing on patterns and puzzles.
  • Option 3: A naturalistic approach using landforms to demonstrate mathematical sequences.

We are delighted to share that these designs were met with a fantastic reception, and we are now moving into the next phase of development.

How is the community involved in the growth of this space?

The journey is just beginning, and our focus is on ensuring this project is truly community-led. The next crucial phase involves securing the necessary funding to bring these visions to life.

True to Groundwork’s mission of building community resilience, we will be heading into local schools to consult with the real experts—the children themselves. Their feedback will help refine the final design, ensuring the space is inclusive, challenging, and fun for children of all abilities.

What is the legacy for Leeds 2026?

With the goal of completing the project on-site by the end of the year, the Maths Playground will be more than just a place to play. It will be a hub where the next generation of thinkers, engineers, and creators can find their spark. By making mathematics tangible and accessible, we are helping to ensure that no one in our community is held back by their background or circumstances.

Get Involved: Would you like to learn more about our urban design work or support our community projects? [Find out more about our Landscape Design services]

By the Groundwork Yorkshire Design Team