To help, in this short article, we look at three different classic playground games, where line markings play an important role, and show that with a bit of thought and inspiration, these old games can be reimagined.
Hopscotch
According to Britannica, Hopscotch is so called because the idea is to jump or ‘hop’ over scratches, aka ‘scotches’, marked out on the pavement. And, it’s also a game thought to date back as far as the 12th century! And yes, we know, most playgrounds have Hopscotch line markings, but why not get your line marking company to mix the markings up a bit? You could try:
Adding brightly coloured squares along with brightly coloured rules down the side
Creating a mega-hopscotch, where a series of Hopscotch games all meet at a central ‘winning’ point
Designing an extra-long game of hopscotch, that encircles the whole playground
There are all sorts of variations on Hopscotch, so be as creative as possible, and make sure to pick a playground line marking specialist that has the technical know-how, and the imagination to bring the ideas into reality.
Snakes & Ladders
Originating in India around the 13th century, with the snakes symbolising vice and the ladders virtues, Snakes & Ladders continues to be played in playgrounds all over the UK, and the rest of the world. And, whilst the design of the board with its sturdy ladders and slithering snakes provides an ideal opportunity for the imagination to run wild, not all schools and nurseries make the most of this classic game.
With a professional and enthusiastic line marking company however, you really can ‘go wild’, and create some truly amazing Snakes & Ladders line markings, which might include:
Vividly coloured snakes with real personality – maybe even a bit scary!
A huge, spectacularly coloured board that becomes the stunning focal point of the playground
A board that includes a unique nod to the school or nursery, where each square represents a particular class etc.
Whatever Snakes & Ladder line marking design you come up with, a good line marking company should ensure the markings are hardwearing, the design is clearly laid out, and it’s in the exact (or as near as) colours you were looking for.
A Maze
Some of the earliest known mazes go right back to ancient Egypt, some 4000 + years ago, and are thought to have been built as ways to keep enemies out, and often consisted of living quarters and courtyards. But, whilst a maze created using playground markings wouldn’t be on the same scale as the ancient Egyptian mazes, that doesn’t mean you can’t let go with your imagination, and come up with something great.
Ideas for a playground marking maze could include:
Cryptic messages throughout – ‘go this way if you dare’!
Straight and squiggly, yet vividly coloured lines
Multiple mazes of different abilities – The A-Mazing Starter, The Tough Trek, The Impossible One!
It’s your choice, so get those ideas whirring, and make sure to get the advice of your chosen line marking company, who if they’re experienced, will have designed and installed a whole range of playground markings, including mazes.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for a line marking company specialising in playground markings, road markings, or warehouse markings, contact City Road Markings, one of the UK's leading road marking contractors.