Temporary School Walkway for a 40-Week Construction Programme in York
St. Peter’s School in York needed to maintain safe pedestrian access during a 40-week construction programme. An existing student footpath became unusable, so the school required a temporary route that was secure, clearly defined, and suitable for use within the grounds. Because the diversion ran alongside a well-kept cricket pitch, protecting the turf was also a key requirement.
The Challenge: Safe Pupil Access Alongside a Cricket Pitch
The temporary walkway had to support daily pupil movements reliably throughout a long programme, without creating trip hazards or unclear routing around an active construction area. It also needed to look appropriate in a school environment and remain tidy over time.
With the route positioned next to the cricket outfield, the solution had to be gentle on the surface beneath and able to sit securely on the natural contours of the grass without causing damage.
Our Solution: FastCover Anti-Slip Walkway Tiles Installed Without Machinery
Following consultation with the GroundGuards team, FastCover ground protection tiles were identified as the most suitable option. Made from 100% recycled PVC, FastCover provides a robust, anti-slip surface while maintaining a neat finish appropriate for school grounds.
Trip-Resistant Connections and Smooth Transitions
FastCover tiles feature interlocking lips to create strong, trip-free connections, supported by edging ramps that provide smooth entry and exit points. This helped create a clear, continuous pedestrian route suited to everyday use by pupils and staff.
Stable on Grass Contours While Protecting Turf
The system’s ability to follow the natural contours of the cricket outfield allowed the walkway to remain stable and safe without damaging the turf underneath.
Quick Installation With No Specialist Tools
Installation was straightforward and quick, with no need for machinery or specialist tools - ideal for a school setting where disruption needed to be kept to a minimum.
Results: 100-Metre Defined Route and Well-Kept Grounds Maintained
In total, 250 FastCover tiles were used to create a 100-metre-long walkway. The finished path provided a clean, clearly defined route that kept pupils moving safely and allowed the school to continue daily operations without disruption.
Teachers and staff praised the solution for its reliability, and the school grounds remained tidy and undamaged throughout the construction programme.
Key Lessons for Temporary Walkways on School Grounds
- Plan diversion routes early to maintain safe separation between pupils and construction activity throughout longer programmes.
- Use interlocking, anti-slip systems to reduce trip risk and provide consistent underfoot conditions in all weathers.
- Where routes run over turf, specify products that sit securely on natural ground contours and protect the surface beneath.
- Include edging ramps to improve accessibility and reduce snagging at entry and exit points.
- Select systems that can be installed without machinery to minimise disruption in sensitive environments like schools.
Speak to GroundGuards About Temporary Walkways for Schools and Construction Sites
If you need a clean, safe, easily deployable pedestrian route during construction, GroundGuards can help. We supply practical temporary walkway and ground protection systems for schools, events, and public-facing sites. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
