Sunnyvale Primary School
From old to bold.
Client:
Sunnyvale Primary School
Location:
Auckland
Sunnyvale Primary School’s playground had provided years of joy, but it was clear that it was time for something new. Rather than simply replace the old equipment, Principal Katie Pennicott saw an opportunity to reimagine the space. She envisioned a dynamic playspace where children of all ages and abilities could come together, play, and explore freely.
Katie wasn’t just looking for a quick fix—she wanted a vibrant, inclusive playspace that would inspire creativity and encourage connection among students. This was a chance to transform the playground into a place where every child could thrive.
The start of a journey
It was while browsing Instagram that Katie stumbled upon Creo’s work at Western Heights School. Instantly inspired by the transformation she saw, Katie reached out to see how Creo could bring that same energy to Sunnyvale. “We wanted something colourful, inclusive, and accessible for all children,” Katie said. And so, the collaboration began.
From the first site visit, the Creo team took the time to understand Sunnyvale’s unique needs and values. Working closely with the school community, they sketched out designs that captured the spirit of Sunnyvale Primary. Together, they carefully selected the colours, patterns, and features that would make the new playground come alive. “We worked closely with the community to choose the design that best represented who we are,” Katie explained.
Building a Playground for Everyone
The result was more than just a refreshed playground—it became a whole new world of possibilities. Gone were the old wood chips, replaced by a vibrant, durable surface designed to handle all kinds of imaginative play. The play structures were thoughtfully designed to cater to children of all abilities, ensuring that no one was left out. One of the standout features was a slide that connected the second-storey classroom block to the playground, adding a sense of adventure to everyday school life.
“The slide quickly became a hit,” Katie said with a smile. “A lot of kids didn’t even want to use that classroom because of the stairs. Now, they can’t wait to get on the slide!”
“The slide quickly became a hit. “A lot of kids didn’t even want to use that classroom because of the stairs. Now, they can’t wait to get on the slide!”
A Place for Joy, Smiles, and Connection
As the playground took shape, it quickly became clear that this was more than just a space for play—it was a space for connection. “One of our school values is family, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing in this new space,” Katie shared. “Kids of all ages are playing together now. It’s become a place where anybody can play with anybody.”
With features like a vibrant tunnel and open play areas, the new playground invites children to explore, create, and connect. Parents have also noticed the change, praising the design for being both inclusive and fun, and for fostering interactions between children who might not have played together before.
Katie summed it up perfectly: “The new playground has truly become a place where our values shine. It’s not just about play—it’s about connection, creativity, and fun.”
“The new playground has truly become a place where our values shine. It’s not just about play—it’s about connection, creativity, and fun.”
