Why MUGAs Are the Ultimate Playground Upgrade for Schools and Communities

At Play Fitness, based in South Shields, we’ve been seeing a surge in demand for MUGAs—Multi-Use Games Areas—across the North East. These versatile outdoor spaces are transforming school playgrounds and community areas into hubs of activity, promoting health, teamwork, and fun.

Whether you’re a school looking to enhance your outdoor sports provision or a local council aiming to revitalise a public park, MUGAs are an ideal commercial playground solution.

Here's why:

What Is a MUGA?

A MUGA is a purpose-built outdoor space designed to accommodate multiple sports and activities in one area. It’s a smart way to maximise space, encourage active play, and support a wide range of fitness goals.

Sports That Can Be Played on a MUGA

MUGAs are incredibly flexible and can be configured for many different sports, including:

Football

Basketball

Netball

Tennis

Hockey

Volleyball

Cricket

Rugby (touch and tag)

Athletics training (such as sprint drills)

Many MUGAs feature goal ends, line markings, and modular fencing systems tailored to each sport, making them suitable for both structured PE lessons and free play.

Benefits of Installing a MUGA

1. Space Efficiency

Instead of needing multiple courts or fields, a MUGA offers one compact area that can be used for several sports.

2. Boosts Physical Activity

Encourages children and young people to get active during break times, after school, and in PE lessons.

3. Durability

Built with robust materials, MUGAs are designed to withstand heavy use and all types of weather—perfect for the unpredictable UK climate.

4. Inclusive for All Ages

From young children to teenagers and even adults in community settings, MUGAs can be adapted to suit various age groups and abilities.

5. Low Maintenance

With the right surface and installation, MUGAs are easy to maintain and long-lasting, making them a cost-effective outdoor sports equipment investment.

Surface Options for MUGAs

The right surface depends on the primary sports you plan to play, the age group using the facility, and your budget. We offer:

3G Artificial Grass – Ideal for football and rugby, offering a natural feel and shock absorption.

Wetpour – Best for high-impact sports like basketball and tennis, providing excellent grip and bounce.

Macadam (Tarmac) – A durable, hard-wearing option suitable for most ball sports.

More Than Just School Playgrounds

While most of our MUGA installations have been for schools—integrating perfectly with our range of school playground equipment—they’re also an excellent choice for parks, leisure centres, housing developments, and community centres. Wherever there’s a need for structured activity and quality outdoor sports equipment, we can provide a custom solution.

Why Choose Play Fitness?

We specialise in playground equipment, play equipment for schools, and full-service commercial playground solutions. Our expert team handles everything from design and planning to installation and aftercare. With years of experience delivering top-quality MUGAs and outdoor exercise areas across South Shields and beyond, we’re proud to help communities get active, outdoors, and engaged.

Ready to Build a MUGA?

If you’re considering a MUGA for your school or community space, get in touch with Play Fitness today. Let’s design a space where everyone can play, move, and grow—whatever the weather.