Kaikorai Primary School

Kaikorai Primary School

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A new welcoming play space.

Client:
Kaikorai Primary School
Location:
Dunedin

Kaikorai Primary School in Dunedin has been a part of the community for over 150 years. With 320 students and a recent campus rebuild, the school took the opportunity to rethink its outdoor spaces. The result? A new playground designed not just to play, but to connect people, inspire creativity, and make the most of the school’s unique environment.

A Vision with Roots in the Community

When Principal Beth Downie and her team began planning the rebuild, they quickly realised the importance of creating more space for play. “We knew we needed something that fit the environment here—something that felt part of the trees and hills around us,” Beth explained. This wasn’t just about adding equipment; it was about creating a space that worked for the students and the wider community.

The school wanted a natural, seamless design. To make it happen, they needed a partner who could turn their vision into reality. “We had the ideas, but we’re not playground designers,” said Beth. That’s where Creo came in.

Finding the Right Fit

Beth first came across Creo through one of their brochures. After looking into different companies and seeing Creo’s work, she knew they were the right team to take on the challenge. “We’ve got a tricky site, but Creo had the experience to bring the best out of it.”

From the start, the focus was on collaboration. Beth and the school board worked closely with Creo’s team to ensure the playground design reflected the school’s needs and values. “They really understood what we were after and made the process easy.”

A Playground That Stands Out

The new playground is a mix of fun and creativity, blending natural elements into the school’s landscape. Unlike the standard playgrounds seen elsewhere, Kaikorai’s design is unique. “It’s not plastic or metal; it feels special. I think we’re probably the only school in Dunedin with something like this,” said Beth.

“I’d love to see families here on the weekends, enjoying it together. It’s something everyone can be proud of.”

Beth Downie
Principal

What the Students Think

For Kaikorai’s students, the playground has already become a favourite spot. Flynn, age 8, summed it up perfectly: “The flying fox is the best. It goes so fast—it’s just joy!” He also loves how different the new space feels. “You can climb and jump, and it’s not just slides you can’t climb up. It’s way more fun.”

The students’ excitement shows how much the playground has changed the way they play and connect. Flynn added, “It makes me feel really proud to be at Kaikorai.”

Pride in the Result

The project’s completion has been an emotional milestone for the school. Reflecting on the opening day, Beth shared, “I had a little tear in my eye. I’m so proud of what we’ve delivered as a school. It’s something truly special.”

Creating Joy That Spreads

The Kaikorai Primary School playground is more than just a play area. It’s a place for discovery, connection, and fun. By turning a challenging site into a welcoming space, the school has created something that will bring joy to students and the wider community for years to come. As Beth put it simply, “We’re chuffed.”

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TKR Takitimu Playspace

TKR Takitimu Playspace

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Preserving heritage
for better futures.

Client:
Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu
Location:
Hastings

Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu set out to create a playspace that was more than just an area for play. They wanted it to be a cultural symbol—a space that reflects their community’s heritage and values. 

The aim was to build something that would stand the test of time, offering tamariki a safe and engaging environment to explore, learn, and connect with nature. The vision was clear: a space that brings the “mountains to the sea” concept to life, blending natural elements with local culture in a fun, interactive way.

Creating spaces that children love.

“We wanted something long-term, something permanent. A space that our tamariki could freely and safely explore, interact with water, and connect with our cultural roots,” said Matua Hook, who has been with the Kōhanga for over 23 years. 

The team was committed to investing in quality, knowing that a thoughtfully designed playspace would bring lasting value to their community.

From the beginning, it was a collaborative effort filled with creativity and careful planning. The goal was to design a playspace that reflected the local landscape and culture, right in the heart of Hastings. The school’s vision guided every step, and we worked closely together to bring that vision to life.

One of the main challenges was ensuring the budget was well-spent. Together, we found solutions that met financial needs without compromising the design’s integrity. 

The school played an active role in the process, providing input on everything from the layout to the colour scheme. This teamwork made sure that the final playspace not only met practical needs but also told a story unique to Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu.

“Creo was really supportive during the design process, especially when it came to incorporating our cultural elements. The eels, the water, the māunga—they all tell a deeply meaningful story for us,” a school representative shared.

Matua Hook
General Manager

Making it a place where children connect.

To honour the school’s vision, we worked together to create a playspace that perfectly matched their aspirations. The result is a vibrant, interactive area that feels deeply connected to the community’s cultural story. You can see it in the details—like the colours used in the junior play area and the school’s emblem featured prominently.

At one end, a majestic māunga (mountain) stands tall, while a flowing water feature offers tamariki a place to cool off during the summer. The sandpit has quickly become a favourite, sparking imaginative play. A special touch is the inclusion of eels in the playground design—representing the local Whakapapa. These eels aren’t just decorative; they spark conversations and help connect the tamariki with their heritage.

Children love it.

Today, the playspace at Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu is a beloved part of the community. Tamariki love the vibrant environment, which encourages them to explore and play freely. More than just a playground, it’s a living story that connects them to their past and promises a bright future.

“The outcome exceeded my expectations, especially with the colours and materials used. It’s a place where stories of our Whakapapa come to life, and our tamariki can play while connecting with their heritage,” said a representative.

Thanks to the use of quality materials and thoughtful design, the playspace requires little maintenance and still looks as vibrant as the day it was finished. It stands as a reminder of how investing in quality and creativity pays off.

“I hope every Kōhanga in New Zealand can build something like this,” the representative concluded.

 

Marshall Laing Primary School

Marshall Laing Primary School

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A place that invites 
play and connection.

Client:
Marshall Laing Primary School
Location:
Auckland

Marshall Lang Primary School, located in Lynfield, Auckland, had an outdoor area that wasn’t working for its students. It was a dull, grey space that went largely unused. Principal David White knew something had to change, particularly to help younger children transition smoothly from kindergarten to primary school.

In 2023, the school took action, transforming the space into a vibrant, engaging environment that their youngest students would love. The result was more than just a new playground—it was a game-changer for the entire school community.

Creating spaces that children love.

Before the upgrade, the play area simply didn’t resonate with the children. “It was quite a grey, drab area where our children never played,” says David White. But now? “Our children love being there. It’s always crowded at break times. It’s colourful, it’s vibrant, it’s bouncy, and it’s completely transformed the whole area.”

The standout feature? A series of mounds that have become the heart of the space. “The most popular feature would be the mounds,” David explains. “Children like jumping from one to the other. They also like sitting on them during playtimes and lunchtimes. In fact, I can’t walk past them without jumping on them as well.”

These mounds allow for flexibility. There’s no fixed way to play, so kids create their own games and activities, sparking their imagination and encouraging social interaction. This level of adaptability has made the space a true hit with students.

“We wanted to create a smoother transition for our youngest students from early childhood centers to school, and this space has done exactly that.”

David White
Principal

Supporting emotional development.

The playground was designed with a deeper purpose in mind—helping students transition smoothly from vibrant, colourful kindergartens to the more structured environment of primary school. “Children often come from early childhood centres that are very vibrant and colourful, and sometimes they go into schools where it’s not like that,” David explains. “We wanted to create a softer transition between ECD and starting at Marshall Lang as a year one.”

By creating a space that feels welcoming and familiar, the new playground is helping students feel more comfortable as they begin their primary school journey.

"Children use these things for whatever they want. It’s not got a set purpose, and that’s really good for fitting in with children’s creativity."

David White
Principal

A collaborative process.

For Marshall Lang Primary, the design process was as important as the end result. David White emphasised the importance of working closely with designers. “Creo had really good ideas, but they were excellent at listening to us and going along with our ideas about what we think could happen.”

This collaboration ensured the design wasn’t just functional but also suited the specific needs of the school. They even visited other schools with similar projects to gather inspiration, blending those ideas with their vision to create something truly special for their students.

The impact.

The transformation has been an undeniable success. What was once an underused space is now buzzing with energy and excitement every break time. It’s not just a playground—it’s a central part of the school’s community, where students of all ages come together to play, create, and explore.

Reflecting on the process, David White says, “We’re very, very happy with the product, and we’re actually looking at putting it in other areas of our school.”

Sunnyvale Primary School

Sunnyvale Primary School

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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!”

Katie Pennicott
Principal

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.”

Katie Pennicott
Principal

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St Hilda’s Collegiate Playspace

St Hilda’s Collegiate Playspace

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The Project

Client:
St Hilda's Collegiate School
Location:
Dunedin

St Hilda’s Collegiate in Dunedin had a dream: to transform a simple green patch in the middle of their school into a vibrant, interactive playground. They wanted a space that would cater to their students from Year 7 to Year 13, where they could socialize, play, and create lasting memories. For this project, they chose Creo for our ability to design unique and engaging play spaces

Before

Before the playground came to life, the area was just a grassy field, often unusable due to Dunedin’s winter weather. “It was just grass. But living in Dunedin quite a few months of the year, it really was just unusable,” shared Helen Almey, the deputy principal. The students needed a space where they could gather, interact, and have fun regardless of the weather.

What They Wanted to Achieve

The school envisioned a playground that was more than just a place to play. They wanted it to be a social hub where students of all ages could come together.

Helen explained, “We needed something to cater for all the different ages that we have,
something that they could interact with, something that they could socialise on.” The playground had to be compact yet versatile, making the most of the limited space available.

The Outcome

With Creo’s expertise, St Hilda’s Collegiate achieved a fantastic transformation. The new playground became a beloved feature of the school, offering a space where students could unwind, interact, and enjoy themselves.

The response from the students when they saw this playground has been so, so positive. This place is now one that's filled with a lot of laughter, a lot of squealing, and a lot of enjoyment."

Helen Almey
Deputy Principal

The roundabout quickly became a favorite. “The element that has been the most successful and we love the most has been the roundabout. The Year 7 and 8 adore it, but also the Year 13 as well,” Helen shared with a smile.

Highlights and Process with Creo

Working with Creo was a smooth and enjoyable experience for St Hilda’s. Creo’s team visited the site, understood the school’s vision, and tailored their designs to fit perfectly. “They listened to us, they came on site, they talked to us, and they gave us a quote,” Helen recalled.

Despite some logistical challenges, like navigating around a low concrete balcony, Creo’s team remained unfazed and accommodating.

They ensured the project fit within the school holidays to avoid disruption. “Nothing fazed them at all. They were just so really accommodating,” Helen praised.

"We really enjoyed working with Creo.
We would absolutely recommend other schools if they're thinking about putting a playground in, go and have a conversation with Creo"

Helen Almey
Deputy Principal

Conclusion

The playground’s success is evident in the students’ reactions. The area now echoes with laughter and joy. “The response from the students when they saw this playground has been so, so positive. This place is now one that’s filled with a lot of laughter, a lot of squealing, and a lot of enjoyment,” Helen remarked. The playground at St Hilda’s Collegiate is a shining example of how a thoughtfully designed space can bring a community together. Our team’s ability to customise their designs to meet the school’s unique needs resulted in a space that is both functional and beloved by students. Helen’s words sum it up perfectly: “We really enjoyed working with Creo. We would absolutely recommend other schools if they’re thinking about putting a playground in, go and have a conversation with Creo.”

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Our newest portfolio showcases how schools transformed their underutilised spaces into vibrant and colourful playspaces through a collaborative process with Creo.

Reimagining Playground Design and Build: A Simpler, Smarter Approach

Imagine you’re planning to design and build a playground. Traditionally, you’d start with an architect or landscape architect to nail down your concept. Sounds simple enough, right? But soon, you’re juggling multiple contractors, sourcing equipment from various vendors, and ensuring the surfacing meets stringent safety standards. The process becomes a complex puzzle, and suddenly, your exciting project feels overwhelming.

This traditional method often leads to complications. If something goes wrong, accountability turns into a maze, with everyone pointing fingers and solutions becoming elusive. Not only does this threaten the smooth progress of your project, but it can also significantly extend its timeline, draining your enthusiasm and resources.

Playspace design and custom equipment manufacturing

The Traditional Method

Here’s how it typically goes:

  1. Engage a Landscape Architect: They help bring your vision to paper, understanding master plans and adding the playground or playspace as requested.

  2. Find Contractors for Civil Works: You’ll need a project manager to coordinate plumbing, earthmoving, electrical work, concrete layering, and more. Even for seasoned professionals, this can be overwhelming—especially when building spaces for young users where everything needs to be perfect.

  3. Source Playground Equipment: With countless options available, choosing the right equipment becomes a project in itself. Coordinating with your landscape architect and finding contractors for installation adds another layer of complexity.

  4. Hire a Surfacing Company: Different equipment requires specific fall zones and shock padding. Organizing this and synchronizing with equipment suppliers can be challenging.

  5. Organize Installation of All Components: If suppliers don’t offer installation, you’ll need to find specialists to install equipment and lay down surfacing to ensure compliance.

  6. Ensure Compliance at Installation: Sometimes, the equipment and surface you’ve chosen may not meet the compliance needs of your space. Adjustments at this stage can be costly and time-consuming.

The Design and Build Method

This fragmented approach often leads to delays, increased costs, and a final product that may not fully align with your original vision. Coordinating multiple companies can result in disjointed execution and accountability issues, complicating even the most straightforward projects.

Introducing the Design and Build Method with Creo

Enter the design and build approach—a streamlined alternative where a single entity, like Creo, manages the entire process from concept to completion. This method reduces friction and frees up your time for more critical planning and decision-making, ensuring the project unfolds smoothly without constant back-and-forth.

How Creo Simplifies Playground Design and Build

  1. Initial Consultation: Our enthusiastic sales and design team listens to your needs and visits the site to understand your vision and requirements. We’re all about sparking imagination from the very start.

  2. Wish List and Concept Design: We collaborate with you to craft a design that fits your vision and budget, selecting the best equipment to maximize play value. Our internationally experienced design team deeply understands the magic of play. With years of expertise in playground design, we pack play value into equipment, helping to create the playspace you’ve always dreamed of.

  3. Detailed Design and Construction: Once the concept is approved, we draw up construction plans and commence groundwork. Our innovative approach ensures every detail aligns with your expectations.

  4. Installation and Updates: Our adventurous installation team takes over, providing you with regular updates. They’re not just installers—they’re knowledgeable consultants eager to discuss play space dynamics with you. We focus on creating engaging, safe, and fun environments where creativity and exploration thrive.

  5. Final Assessment and Cleanup: Before we hand over your new playspace, we ensure everything is perfect—from equipment safety to site cleanliness. We’re committed to delivering a fully realized playspace ready for its grand opening, where every child can embark on new adventures.

 
Custom design can be a great addition to your space.

Standout Benefits

  • Single Point of Contact: One company handles everything, reducing confusion and ensuring quality. Your vision is carried through every step of the process, and if any issues arise, we manage them promptly, adjusting timelines as needed.

  • Expert Design Insight: Our experienced team designs spaces that are not only functional but also imaginative and tailored to your specific needs. We understand how playgrounds work—from the design perspective to how users interact with the space—ensuring a seamless blend of form and function.

  • Maximized Play Value: We focus on creating engaging environments that foster learning and development through play. Play value isn’t just about the amount of equipment; it’s about how children interact with the elements, encouraging creativity, risk-taking, and personal growth.

  • Enhanced Social Value: Our designs promote social interactions and community building. We consider how users will interact with each other, how families will use the space, and how different age groups can play together. By fostering social gathering, we create spaces where anybody can play with anybody, embodying the core value of family.

  • Sense of Place: Each playspace is uniquely crafted to provide a sense of belonging and identity. Our design and build team ensures that each space resonates with its location, history, and people—essential elements for a successful and meaningful playspace.

  • Multi-Purpose and Open-Ended Play: We design versatile spaces that cater to various activities and encourage creativity. Our playspaces let imagination flow, allowing users to manage their play, risks, and challenges in a safe environment.

Conclusion

hoosing between the traditional multi-company approach and the design and build method depends on what you value most: the complexity of managing every detail yourself or the convenience and coherence of having a single, dedicated team bring your vision to life.

With a company like Creo, the latter is not just a promise—it’s a delivered reality. We ensure that your playground design and build project is executed flawlessly, enriching the community it serves. We’re passionate about crafting innovative play spaces that inspire creativity and adventurous exploration.

So, are you ready to see those smiles and hear the laughter? With Creo, it’s not just about building playgrounds; it’s about creating joyful communities where imagination knows no bounds. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together—your adventure starts here.

We're here to help on your journey.

You don’t just get a guide. We collaborate with you to bring your project to life. 

With our design, surfacing and equipment expertise, we’ll help you have the playground you want and need.

If you’d like to know more and discuss your options, fill out this form.

Or call us on:

0800 000 334