Rooftop Playgrounds: Commercial Roofing Made Fun
Urban schools face a size crunch, how do you fit everything students need on a small plot of land? Important elements like playgrounds seemingly don’t fit. A little creative thinking gets around that problem. Take the example of Francis M. Leahy Elementary School. Francis Leahy sits on a small footprint in Lawrence, MA. Bordered by private homes and the Spicket River, the school had no room on its grounds for a playground.
The Answer is Right Above Your Head
A normal school commercial roof is a large, flat surface. Increasingly they are used for solar installations, and many colleges and universities are installing green roofs to increase sustainability Greenwood has installed numerous green roofs and paver systems on Hydrotech systems, but in recent years have also used this system for playgrounds. For schools like Francis Leahy, rooftop playgrounds are becoming a popular option.
The Installation of the New Roof System
The Hydrotech assembly is topped with pavers and specialty play surfaces that provide space for a general play area, basketball court, jungle gym, slides, and a lounge zone. Hydrotech Monolithic Membrane 6125 was chosen for its proven durability beneath heavy overburden. In an application where the roof must handle groups of energetic children as well as harsh New England winters, long-term performance was critical.
The remaining four roof areas received a Sarnafil G410 80 mil adhered system. Sarnafil was the natural choice because of its energy efficient properties, which are important for a public school. The largest of these roofs sit just above the playground, while two smaller roofs cover the staircases. A final recessed section is located slightly below the main roofline and houses the school’s mechanical equipment.
The playground design made installation more complex than a typical roofing project. While coordinating with multiple trades is common, this project required even more collaboration. Large safety fencing had to be erected around the entire play area, and landscaping crews were brought onsite as well. These added layers increased logistical challenges, but our roofers successfully navigated the congestion and installed both the Hydrotech system and pavers with precision.
Thoughtful Choices: Building a Playground on a Rooftop
The playground itself is thoughtfully arranged. The recreational area of the roof system takes up nearly 75% of the rooftop area and uses every bit of it. Equipment is positioned neatly in corners, leaving generous open space for group activities and free play. In addition, a smaller rear area is set aside for a lounge. This way any staff looking to recharge can have some space away from the hustle of a playground.
The result is a rooftop playground that students can truly enjoy and one that stands out among local schools. Looking out over the historic mills of Lawrence, it will be impossible for the students to forget their time at Francis Leahy. Just as importantly, the roof supporting it is built to last, thanks to high-quality materials and expert installation. That way generations of students will be able to make lasting memories.
