Wellington Botanic Garden

Wellington Botanic Garden

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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.

Balance Balls add a nice and unique aesthetic to your playspace.

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.

Custom design can be a great addition to your space.

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.

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Equipment range.

Call us now to collaborate on your next Playground Design at 0800 000 334 or send an email to info@creospace.co.nz

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.

Creo manufacturing warehouse
Local manufacturing is key to reduce your lead time.

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 info@creospace.co.nz

 

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.

Creating pockets of fun in urban areas.

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 info@creospace.co.nz.

How an Inclusive Seesaw can Increase Play Value in Your Playspace

Inclusive design is not a trend but necessary for integrating people of all abilities. This playspace design fosters connections as children grow and learn through play.

One of the significant innovations is the Inclusive Seesaw supplied by Creo, which stands as a testament to thoughtful design, offering a play solution that ensures the integration of all users.

Why the Inclusive Seesaw Stands Out

The Inclusive Seesaw is designed with inclusivity at its core. It features two platforms that welcome children of all abilities.

Its dimensions of 255x106cm make it a versatile addition to any playground, providing a shared play experience without the need for extensive space.

Creo inclusive seesaw at Lorna Irene Reserve

Designed for Everyone

What sets this seesaw apart is its commitment to inclusivity. With features tailored for wheelchair accessibility, it guarantees a safe and enjoyable playtime for every child.

This focus on inclusive play is a step forward in creating playgrounds that cater to the needs of all children.

How Lorna Irene Created an unique, Inclusive Playspace

Safety Comes First

The Inclusive Seesaw’s design prioritises accessibility and safety. Its carefully crafted platform accommodates wheelchair users, ensuring that playtime is a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The seesaw meets all compliance requirements with a safety zone of 556x406cm and a minimal free-fall height, emphasising the importance of a secure environment for all users.

The Benefits of Inclusive Play

Inclusion in play is more than a concept; it’s a practice that enriches the play experience for all children. The Inclusive Seesaw showcases this idea, offering benefits such as:

  • Universal Design: Allows children of varying abilities to play side by side, fostering a sense of belonging and equality.
  • Space Efficiency: Its compact design ensures it can be seamlessly added to any playground, making inclusivity possible even in limited spaces.
  • Customisation: With various colour options, the seesaw can be personalised to fit the aesthetic of any play area.
  • Safety and Accessibility: The anti-slip platform and accessible design ensure that all children can enjoy the seesaw safely.

A Step Toward Inclusive Playgrounds

The Inclusive Seesaw is more than just playground equipment; it’s a gateway to a more inclusive play world. Incorporating this seesaw into your playground enhances the play experience for all children and promotes inclusivity and community values.

To truly embrace inclusivity, consider the entire playground experience, including accessible paths that lead to and around the play equipment.

This ensures that every child can enjoy the Inclusive Seesaw and the broader playground environment regardless of ability.

If you are ready to make your playspace more inclusive, call us on 0800 000 334 or send an email to info@creospace.co.nz.

Wet Pour Rubber for School Playspace Design

Choosing the right surface material is crucial when designing a playspace for your school. Wet pour rubber is a standout option, offering a mix of safety, cost-effectiveness, and design versatility.

In this article, you’ll discover how wet-pour rubber can affect your school playspace project.

Wet pour rubber for you school and Safety

Keeping children safe is at the top of any school playspace list. The design of your playspace needs to offer users challenges so they can grow and have fun through challenges. That comes with the risk of injuries. Wet pour rubber shines here, providing a soft landing for those inevitable tumbles.  

It’s designed to cushion falls, significantly reducing injury risk. Plus, it meets the safety standards required for playground surfaces, giving peace of mind to both parents and educators.

When designing your playspace, the height of your equipment will dictate how much shock pad you will need under your wet-pour rubber layer. The higher you go, the more padding you will need, directly affecting the cost of your surfacing.

Aorangi School wet pour rubber surfacing includes sculptures.

Wet Pour Rubber Cost

Investing in wet-pour rubber requires an upfront cost higher than other options. On average, a 250m2 school playspace with will cost between $65,000 and $110,000.

However, its durability and low maintenance over time outweigh the initial expense.

It’s a case of spending more now to spend less later, as it avoids the frequent replacements or repairs other materials might need.

Design & Customisation

One of the fun parts of using wet-pour rubber is how creative you can get with it. This material allows for a wide range of colours and patterns, making it possible to customise the playspace to fit any theme or aesthetic.

Whether educational designs or fun patterns, wet-pour rubber can accommodate them, making your playspace as unique as your imagination.

For some customisations, you can integrate our local heritage and your school branding through colours or shapes. You can gamify the surface with different fun activities to keep users engaged.

School branding with safety surfacing.

Problems How to Fix

Like any material, wet-pour rubber isn’t without its issues. It can fade over time, wear down in high-traffic areas, or get hot without proper shading. However, these problems are manageable.

Firstly, opt for a better quality wet-pour rubber. Creo only uses Pour ‘n’ Play, a high-tech rubber surfacing that reduces fading and lasts longer.

The resin you choose to bind your surface is also essential. Opting for a low-quality resin will lower the UV protection, and your surface can get hard with time.

To avoid these potential problems, you should carry out regular maintenance, such as sealing and proper drainage, which can extend the playground’s life and keep it looking great and functioning safely.

Choosing better quality materials will pay off in the long run and will stand out.

Conclusion

Choosing wet-pour rubber for your school’s playspace design brings several benefits. Beyond safety and design flexibility, it’s environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials, and promotes inclusivity by being accessible to all children.

 With its blend of practicality and playfulness, wet-pour rubber is a smart choice for creating engaging, safe, and durable play areas that will serve school communities well into the future.

In summary, while the initial cost might be higher, the long-term benefits of safety, durability, and creative freedom make wet pour rubber an excellent investment for any school looking to build or upgrade its playspace.

If you are ready to transform your school, contact our team and discover the possibilities for your next project. Call us on 0800 000 334 or send an email to info@creospace.co.nz

Mastering Flow and Connection in Play Space Design

Are you in the process of creating a play space that looks inviting and feels cohesive and connected?

Understanding the importance of flow and connection within your play area is crucial for crafting a space that offers a seamless and enjoyable experience for its users.

That is precisely what we will go and explain in this article.

The Essence of Flow and Connectivity

A play space with a good flow creates a sense of unity and coherence, making it easy for children and their guardians to navigate through the area.

This connectivity contributes to the space’s aesthetic appeal and significantly improves its functionality and safety. But how do you achieve this harmonious design?

You need to take a few steps when thinking of your design. Our Playspace Design team has developed some key considerations to make it consistently effective for your project.

Key Considerations for a Cohesive Play Area

  1. Visibility for Safety: Ensure clear sight lines throughout the play area. This will allow parents and guardians to supervise their children from a distance easily, ensuring a safe play environment.
  2. Graduated Challenges: Arrange equipment in a way that offers progressively challenging activities. This encourages children to explore and grow, moving naturally from one activity to the next based on their skill level and confidence.
  3. Intuitive Navigation: Incorporate straightforward entry and exit points and a logical flow between different sections of the play space. This subtle guidance helps users move through the area effortlessly, enhancing the overall experience.
  4. Spacing Matters: Avoid spreading out equipment too thinly. A play area that feels empty or disjointed can detract from the sense of community and excitement. Instead, aim for a balanced distribution that encourages interaction and engagement.
  5. Safety in Placement: Position swings and other high-movement equipment carefully to minimise collisions and accidents. Thoughtful placement can significantly reduce the risk of injury and ensure a fun, worry-free environment for everyone.

Crafting the Perfect Playspace

Creating a play space with excellent flow and connectivity requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of how people interact with the environment. 

Playspace design is about more than just the physical layout.; It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and enjoyment. You must understand your needs and what will resonate with your community. 

That will not only help you decide the style of playspace you want but also help you determine a realistic budget, avoiding unnecessaryy costs.

Whitikau Reserve Playground
Whitikau Reserve Playground is an example on how flow and connectivity works.

Bringing in the Experts

Consulting with specialists like Creo can make all the difference for those looking to ensure their play space is both beautiful and functional.

With expertise in play space design, they can help you navigate these considerations, ensuring your space is well-thought-out and maximises user engagement.

Conclusion

A play space that masterfully incorporates flow and connection offers a more enriching, enjoyable, and safe experience.

It’s about creating an environment where every element works harmoniously, guiding users through discovery, challenge, and fun.

By focusing on these aspects, you’re not just designing a play area but crafting a community hub that invites joy and fosters connection for years.

If you are ready to transform your playspace, contact our team and find out the possibilities for your next project. Call us on 0800 000 334 or send an email to info@creospace.co.nz

What is the Most Cost-Effective Playspace Surface?

Choosing a suitable surface for a playspace is not just a matter of aesthetics. It’s an important decision impacting safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.

In this post, we will cover the many playspace surface options and their cost-effectiveness to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Different Types of Playspace Surfaces

Rubber Mulch

    • Price range: For the average 250m2 playspace – between $75,000– $130,000
    • Pros: It has a natural look, even though it’s wet pour rubber. It comes in different colours and is a recyclable type of surface. It can be used around trees and other play features to offer safety surfacing from different heights.
    • Cons: It can wear faster than other surface types if installed in high-traffic areas. It can also get hot in hot-weather environments, such as sun-exposed areas.
    • Longevity: If well maintained, it can last around ten years. After that, it can be recycled into shock pads and re-poured as an underlayer.

Wood Chips

    • Price Range: For the average 250m2 school playground – between $6000 – $16,000
    • Pros: Natural look, good shock absorption. It can be turned into compost after its use.
    • Cons: It’s not inclusive and has a short life cycle. You must maintain it periodically to use it at its full potential.
    • Longevity: Needs replacement every 1-2 years. 

Artificial Turf

    • Price Range: For the average 250m2 school playground, it is $65,000 and $110,000.
    • Pros: This surface is low maintenance and stays green year-round. It has a great natural feel, making it inclusive for users of all abilities without heavy maintenance.
    • Cons: It has a higher initial cost compared to other surfaces. Also, it can get hot if the sun is exposed and needs sand pouring and grooming to keep it in place.
    • Longevity: It can last over 15 years if maintained regularly.

Wet pour rubber

    • Price Range: For the average 250m2 school playground, it is $85,000 and $140,000.
    • Pros: It is a highly customisable surface with different colours and shapes. It is fully inclusive and lasts a long time. It also has easy drainage and maintenance.
    • Cons: Higher upfront cost; it also requires professional installation. Also, it can get hot if it’s exposed to high temperatures.
    • Longevity: With proper care, this can last more than 20 years. After its use, it can be recycled into a shock pad underlayer.

Comparative Analysis

Each surface type offers a unique balance of cost, durability, and maintenance. Rubber mulch and wood chips are more budget-friendly upfront but require regular maintenance.

Artificial turf and poured-in-place rubber have higher initial costs but are more durable and low-maintenance, potentially offering better long-term value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the most cost-effective playspace surface. Each option has its unique benefits and considerations.

We encourage you to weigh these factors against your specific needs and preferences to find the best solution for your playspace.

Remember, the right surface can significantly enhance the safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of your play area.

Music and play: the world of musical sensory equipment

Adding music to a playspace? Well, apart from the laughs and giggles, these areas can be enriched with many different sensory features, and one of them is music.

Musical sensory spaces shine brightly, offering a unique blend of enjoyment and development. Let’s explore why these spaces are key to nurturing young minds and bodies.

Understanding the Power of Music in Development

Music’s Role in Early Years
Music plays a pivotal role in child development. Studies, like one by Anna Līduma (2016), show that early musical experiences shape essential sensory and vocal skills. Musical spaces offer a rich environment for these developmental milestones.

Musical Playspaces as Learning Hubs
These playspaces go beyond traditional play. They’re designed to enhance motor skills and sensory functions by integrating natural elements and musical instruments, making every play session a learning opportunity.

Child playing the xylophone.

The Benefits of Musical Spaces

Research, including a study by Habibi et al. (2018), links music training to improved cognitive abilities and brain development. Musical playgrounds are not just for fun but spaces where critical thinking and emotional intelligence flourish.

Social Skills and Inclusivity
These playspaces are designed for all children, promoting inclusivity and teaching the values of diversity from a young age. They ensure that every child can enjoy and learn from music, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Sensory area in a playground for younger children.

Challenges and Innovations

Overcoming Obstacles
Designing and maintaining musical playgrounds comes with challenges, such as weather and wear. However, advancements in design and technology are paving the way for more engaging and accessible spaces.

Looking Ahead
The future of playground design is bright. Its focus is on supporting every child’s well-being and development. Innovations promise to make musical playgrounds even more integral to our communities.

Conclusion

Musical playspaces, or even some equipment around your space, are vital for combining play with learning, offering a symphony of benefits for child development.

As we continue to embrace the importance of music in early growth, these spaces will play a crucial role in nurturing well-rounded, happy children.

They’re not just playgrounds; they’re where the rhythms of learning and joy come together for every child.

Differences between Plastic and Wood playspace equipment

From junk playgrounds, moving on to metal, plastic, nature play and recycled products. Equipment in a playspace can vary with the time and the trends of the moment, but you can always see two types that will always be more prevalent: wood and plastic.

In this article, we will compare them and highlight the main differences and benefits of these two types of play equipment.

Plastic Equipment

Plastic, a relatively modern entrant in playground design, has gained popularity due to its versatility and durability.

Advanced manufacturing techniques have allowed various designs, from vibrant slides to intricate climbing structures. It all depends on your budget.

modular play equipment

Benefits of Plastic Equipment

The primary advantages of plastic are its durability and low maintenance. Unlike wood, plastic doesn’t splinter or rot, making it a long-lasting option.

Additionally, plastic playgrounds can be a kaleidoscope of colours, appealing to children’s love for bright and engaging environments.

Common Issues with Plastic Equipment

However, plastic is not without its drawbacks. Environmental concerns top the list, as most plastics are not biodegradable.

Exposure to extreme temperatures can also affect its longevity, and due to its ease of marking and cutting, it may be prone to vandalism.

Another common issue is the aesthetic. Even with the ease of creating different modules of different shapes, plastic can look tacky or make a space too “industrial”.

When to Use Plastic Equipment

Plastic is ideal for areas where the climate is unfavourable to natural equipment. It also offers a colourful and safe environment for younger children.

Examples include modular play structures with slides and climbing areas, themed play equipment like panels, and other sensory features made from plastic.

Nature Play and Wood Equipment

Wood, the traditional choice, has seen a resurgence with the growing emphasis on nature play – a concept that encourages children to engage with natural environments.

With its organic look and feel, wood equipment seamlessly integrates into natural settings, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Single Flying Fox on Whitikau Reserve Playground

Benefits of Wood Equipment

Wood’s aesthetic appeal is unmatched. It blends with the outdoor environment, offering a more calming, nature-inspired play area.

Wood is a sustainable choice environmentally, mainly when sourced responsibly. It also provides a tactile experience, connecting children more closely with nature.

It can be easily customised with colours and shapes and still keep the natural feeling to it.

Common Issues with Wood Equipment

The challenges with wood include maintenance and durability. Wood can suffer from weathering, requiring regular treatment to prevent rot and splintering.

Safety is another concern, as aged wood equipment can become hazardous if not properly maintained.

Bespoke tower in Wellington Botanic Gardens

When to Use Wood Equipment

Wood is best in natural settings and for promoting nature-based play.

Examples include wooden climbing frames and treehouses, which offer adventurous play; balance beams and log rolls for developing coordination; sand and water play areas for sensory experiences; and swing sets and benches that harmonise with natural landscapes.

Bespoke wood equipment is also great for destination playspaces. You can achieve unique features in your space with a team of great woodworkers and designers.

Environmental Impact

The sustainability of wood, mainly when sourced responsibly, contrasts with the environmental concerns associated with plastic, highlighting the importance of choosing materials that align with ecological values.

Conclusion

Choosing between wood and plastic for playground equipment involves considering various factors, including aesthetics, functionality, safety, cost, and environmental impact.

By understanding each material’s unique benefits and limitations, decision-makers can create engaging, safe, and sustainable play environments that enrich childhood experiences.