The area was exclusively given over to a large, dated fort that was not suitable for use by the junior school children. The school operates a play based learning environmnet programme for the junior children. They wanted to enhance the opportunities for social interactions and experiential play. The school recognises the importance of play based learning.

The junior children were consulted on what they would like to see in the new playground. They were keen to have water and areas to use materials to build. The new playground was adjacent to the existing sandpit so that this was integrated into the new design. The reuse of a tunnel and climbing bars from the old fort, and the addition of a slide, gave a balance of physical challenge and the opportunities to build with repurposed materials and explore the natural aspects of the river, water course and gardens. A mud kitchen, large enough for at least eight children to use at any one time, is beside the sandpit and has access to water. Once trees are established there will be a good amount of natural shade.

Macrocarpa Seat and crushed lime pathway:

Hardwood Steps leading to slide platform: 

Herb garden in foreground. The wooden tunnel was repurposed from the old structure:

Mud kitchen in background: 

Double slide on hill: 

Copper water race in action:

Water course. A small outlet for the water allows the water to build up for more enjoyable play:

Water Course with deck in background. Different levels and branches allow children to play more creatively: 

The climbing bars on the right were repurposed from old structure:

River can be seen just beyond the flagpole:

Deluxe mud kitchen with two levels and lockable cupboard:

River supplied by tap: