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!”

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

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

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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.

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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.

The Traditional Method

Here’s how it typically goes:

Engage a Landscape Architect: They help bring your vision to paper, understanding master plans and adding the playground or playspace as requested.
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.
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.
Hire a Surfacing Company: Different equipment requires specific fall zones and shock padding. Organizing this and synchronizing with equipment suppliers can be challenging.
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.
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.

Read our article on how we bring your idea from Vision to Play.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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

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Wellington Botanic Garden

A buzzing new destination playground!

Client:

Wellington District Council

Location:

Wellington Botanic Garden

Circa Budget:

$950,000

The Wellington City Council, in collaboration with the Botanic Gardens, embarked on a significant project to revamp the existing playground within the Wellington Botanic Gardens.

It was spearheaded by council stakeholders Matthew Beres and David Sole. The initiative aimed to modernise the playground while incorporating the unique aspects of the surrounding botanical landscape and the crucial role of bees in the ecosystem.

The primary goal was to refresh the playground to serve the community and visitors to the botanic gardens better.

Through community consultation, there was a strong desire for a space to educate children about the importance of pollination and the role of bees in sustaining flora.

The feedback informed the creation of a playground that could both entertain and educate, aligning with the broader themes of the botanic gardens.

"It's one of those multigenerational playgrounds. It's one of those places where you'll make memories that will go on for generations."

Raydeen Cuffe
Botanic Garden Visitor Experience Manager

Inclusivity and Education
A vital aspect of the project was ensuring the playground was accessible to children of all abilities, incorporating sensory panels to facilitate learning about the environment and pollination.

Outcome
The renovated Wellington Botanic Gardens Playground is a testament to innovative design, educational focus, and community engagement.

This project has not only revitalised a key community asset but also enhanced the botanic gardens’ educational offerings. It provides a space where children can learn about nature through play.

The playground’s design and features will be a valued community resource for years to come, embodying the garden’s themes of nature, education, and inclusivity.

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The Benefits of Balance Balls in Playground Design and Build

When it comes to playground design and build, we often focus on the big-ticket items—slides, swings, and obstacle courses, playground sets, and so on. But have you ever considered how smaller, more versatile elements can significantly enhance a play space? Let’s talk about balance balls: the unsung heroes that add a whole new dimension to playgrounds and playspaces.

Crafted from durable TPV wet-pour rubber, these spherical wonders aren’t just eye-catching—they’re a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. They fit seamlessly into every corner of your playground, transforming ordinary areas into dynamic environments ripe for exploration.

Let’s explore the balance balls and discover how they promote open-ended, unprescribed play while enriching your playground design and build.

What are Balance Balls?

Balance balls are innovative playground features made right here in New Zealand using top-quality TPV rubber granules. Their robust construction ensures longevity and safety, making them an excellent addition to any play space. Plus, with a high degree of customisation in colour, they can match any playground theme or colour palette you have in mind.

But balance balls are more than just colourful spheres—they introduce a playful challenge that encourages children to engage creatively with their environment. By incorporating various sizes and styles, you can create distinctive layouts that make these balls either the centrepiece of your playground or complementary features that enhance overall play value.

Types of Balance Balls

Balance balls come in several exciting varieties, each offering unique opportunities for imaginative play:
1. Fixed Balance Balls: Anchored securely to the ground, these balls provide a stable platform for balancing acts. They enrich the play area with a touch of predictability, allowing kids to build confidence as they master their balancing skills.
2. Tilt / Spin Balance Balls: Looking for an extra challenge? Our tilt and spin balance balls introduce movement, allowing for tilting and spinning. Children can engage with the play space in innovative ways, enhancing their balance and coordination while having a blast.
3. Half Balls: Perfect for younger children or as stepping stones, these semi-spherical elements serve as mini obstacles. They add depth and complexity to the playground landscape without overwhelming smaller kids.

How much do they cost?

Balance balls are an affordable way to enhance your playground design and build. Prices range from $640 to $4,800 (excluding installation). While these figures are indicative, actual costs depend on your playground’s design and the specific installation requirements to meet safety standards.

Remember, investing in balance balls isn’t just about adding equipment—it’s about enriching children’s play experiences and promoting holistic development.

Benefits of Balance Balls

Including balance balls in your playground isn’t just about adding new equipment—it’s about enriching the entire play experience. Here’s how they make a difference:

Promote Open-Ended Play: Balance balls encourage unprescribed play, allowing children to use their imagination and creativity. There’s no right or wrong way to interact with them, which fosters problem-solving skills and independent thinking.
Develop Key Skills: They support the development of balance, strength, and coordination. As kids navigate these spheres, they’re honing physical skills essential for healthy growth.
Encourage Social Interaction: Balance balls can become focal points where kids gather, collaborate, and engage in group play, enhancing their social skills and building friendships.
Introduce Managed Risk: They offer a safe environment for children to test their limits and explore their capabilities, which is crucial for building confidence and resilience.
Maximize Space Usage: Their versatility allows for placement near fall zones or in otherwise underutilized areas, optimizing every inch of your playground.

Customization Options to Suit Your Vision

At Creo, we understand that every play space is unique. That’s why we offer a variety of sizes and customization options:

Sizes: Choose from diameters ranging from 300mm to 700mm in both fixed and moving configurations, as well as half-ball options.
Colour Mixes: Personalize your balance balls with our colour options:
- Value Range: A 20% mix of your chosen colour combined with 80% black recycled rubber—an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
- Premium Range: A full 100% colour mix for a vibrant and standout feature.
Themes: Whether you’re aiming for a cosmic vibe with celestial bodies or a sporty atmosphere with balls resembling different sports, we can tailor the balance balls to fit your theme.

Check our colour mixer and play with the colour options you can have

Enhancing Play Spaces with Open-Ended, Unprescribed Play

Incorporating balance balls aligns perfectly with our philosophy of creating play spaces that encourage open-ended, unprescribed play. Unlike traditional equipment that dictates how it’s used, balance balls invite kids to invent their own games and challenges. This approach nurtures creativity, adaptability, and cognitive development.

By focusing on playspace design and build that promotes unstructured play, we’re fostering environments where children’s imaginations can soar. They learn to navigate risks, make decisions, and engage socially—all essential skills for their growth.

Conclusion

Balance balls are more than just playful additions; they’re essential components in crafting engaging, dynamic, and inclusive play spaces. They blend challenge with safety and offer extensive customization options, making them invaluable assets in modern playground design and build.

Whether you’re looking to add a new dimension to your play area or embarking on a complete redesign, consider the versatile and vibrant world of balance balls.

Let’s work together to create a playground where every child can discover, imagine, and grow. Check our PlayShapes range of balance balls and other critters and rubber creations: click here to see.

Learn more! Check some links below to see what we are up to.

See our projects.

Visit our learning hub.

Watch our videos

Equipment range.

Call us now to collaborate on your next Playground Design at 0800 000 334 or send an email to [email protected]

Reducing Lead Times on Your Playground Project

Lead times in playground projects can often stretch your timelines, pushing back those exciting grand openings. However, there’s good news: with strategic planning and smart decisions, you can significantly reduce these delays.

In this article, we’ll explore three effective strategies to keep your project on track and ensure your new playspace comes to life sooner than you might think.

Plan your Playground Project Ahead

The foundation of any successful playground project lies in meticulous planning. Start by setting a clear timeline, including key milestones from design approval to the installation phase.

Engaging with a design and build company early on can help identify potential bottlenecks and streamline the process. Remember, the earlier you start, the more room you have to maneuver around unexpected delays.

Be Clear About Your Budget

A well-defined budget does more than just keep your finances in check; it also accelerates decision-making.

When you’re clear about what you can spend, suppliers and contractors can offer solutions that match your financial constraints, reducing back-and-forth negotiations.

This clarity allows for a smoother, faster procurement process, ensuring materials and services

Opt for Local Playground Equipment Manufacturing

Choosing locally manufactured playground equipment can significantly cut down on lead times.

Not only does it reduce shipping times, but it also simplifies logistics, making it easier to manage delivery schedules and installation.

Supporting local manufacturers not only benefits your project timeline but also contributes to the local economy, creating a win-win situation.

Embrace the Benefits

By implementing these strategies, you’re not just reducing lead times; you’re also finalizing your project earlier, saving both time and money.

Moreover, opting for local manufacturing means you’re investing in your community, supporting local businesses, and fostering a sense of pride in the finished playspace.

These benefits extend far beyond the completion of the project, contributing to a stronger, more connected community.

Next Steps

Reducing lead times on your playground project is achievable with careful planning, clear budgeting, a preference for local manufacturing, and an understanding of the broader benefits.

These strategies ensure your playspace is completed efficiently and effectively, saving time and resources while supporting the local economy.

The next step? Start planning your project with these tips in mind, and consider partnering with a design and build company that understands the importance of keeping your project on schedule

. Together, you can create a vibrant, engaging playspace that your community will enjoy for years to come.

Call us now to collaborate on your next Playground Design on 0800 000 334 or send an email to [email protected]

Rethinking Urban Spaces: The Essential Role of Playspaces

Urban environments are rapidly transforming, and at the heart of this change is the integration of playspaces—areas designed not just for play but for community engagement and well-being. These spaces are crucial in urban settings, offering a breathing space from the concrete jungle and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The design of these areas is paramount, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility to serve the diverse urban population effectively.

Integrating Playspaces into Urban Design

Core Design Principles

Principles of inclusivity, creativity, and sustainability guide the design of urban playspaces. These spaces aim to be accessible to all, fostering community among a diverse urban population.

The goal is to create engaging environments encouraging social interaction and physical activity.

Enhancing Urban Connectivity

Playspaces can significantly affect urban planning, connecting different city areas.

Their strategic placement can encourage exploration and movement, making the urban environment more cohesive and navigable.

Merging Play with Nature and Art

Incorporating natural elements and public art into playspaces can enrich the urban experience. These spaces offer a blend of aesthetics and functionality, providing immersive experiences that engage children and adults.

Future Trends in Playspace Design

Embracing Technology

The future of playspaces includes the integration of technology, offering interactive and educational experiences.

This approach aims to create spaces that are not only fun but also enriching, preparing children for a digital future.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Sustainable design is becoming a priority, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and practices. This trend reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and a commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.

Community Involvement in Design

The involvement of local communities in the design process ensures that playspaces meet the needs and reflect the values of those who use them. This collaborative approach enhances the relevance and impact of these spaces.

Conclusion

Playspaces are integral to the vitality of urban environments, offering spaces for play, learning, and community engagement. As urban areas continue to evolve, the need for innovative and inclusive playspaces is clear.

Urban planners, designers, and communities must work together to prioritize these spaces, ensuring they remain a vibrant part of urban life.

If you are ready to make your community better, call us on 0800 000 334 or send an email to [email protected].

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