Designing and Constructing Multi-Yard Outdoor Play Spaces for Lifelong Learning
This project focused on the creation of a dynamic outdoor learning environment over two levels. The meticulously designed play spaces cater to different age groups, with a special emphasis on fostering exploration, curiosity, and a foundation for lifelong learning as is promoted by the centre’s curriculum.
On the ground level, the North Yard, dedicated to babies, features a spacious open play area with a softfall surface and native trees, creating a natural ambiance. The produce area includes a compacted toppings space with an animal enclosure and a raised vegetable planter for hands-on gardening. The sand play zone offers a sandpit with log edging, vines along the fence line, and a stage with a deck. A Bush Play Walkway, with mixed surfaces and natural elements, enhances the outdoor experience. The South Yard, designed for toddlers, incorporates a Food Forest Area, open play space with goat tracks, an adventure play area with mounds and a dry creek bed, and a sand play zone with a strategically placed sandpit with bridge entry.
The elevated Level 1 introduces an outdoor classroom with ample space, an active play zone with a rustic platform, water play featuring log rills and an arched bridge, a meeting place with timber benches, two sand play areas with unique features, a bush play zone with various natural elements, and an open play space with synthetic turf and large tree planters for shade and aesthetics.
We were thrilled to collaborate with this repeat client to deliver this comprehensive design that aims to inspire a love for learning through diverse and engaging activities, fostering a holistic development approach for the young minds entrusted to its care.
