Revitalising School Outdoor Play: Incorporating Elements of Nature & Construction
The play area renovation project for Grade 4 to Grade 6 aged children at this primary school aimed to elevate their outdoor play experiences while incorporating elements of nature and construction. Existing trees were carefully preserved, complemented by the addition of native trees, large shrubs, and grasses to enrich the environment. Custom-designed play features were strategically implemented, including a bush play area with upright logs, a cozy “bird nest” cubby house, rope traverse, rope net, mulch pit, and tyre climb. Additionally, a ruined brickwork cubby provides imaginative spaces for exploration, while a digging patch with a mud kitchen encourages hands-on creativity. The inclusion of a sandpit with natural edging, a yarning circle with rock boulders and a brick fire pit foster communal gatherings and storytelling.
A creek bed and swale garden with loose pebbles and rock boulders introduce elements of water play and ecological learning. A large timber bridge connects the play area to the classroom entry, while crazy pave steppers and a bespoke potion-making area with a log table and carved hollows offer opportunities for sensory engagement and imaginative play. Construction-themed play items such as A-frame timber structures, logs, cable reels, barrels, and bricks were integrated to inspire collaborative building projects. Additionally, a Lean-to skillion tin roof shelter provides practical storage solutions, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the revitalized play space. Overall, the renovated playground offers a dynamic and inclusive environment where children can explore, create, and connect with nature and each other.
