Papatoetoe West Primary School

Papatoetoe West Primary School

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Papatoetoe West Primary School has undergone an exciting transformation that has the school’s students jumping for joy!

Client:
Papatoetoe West Primary School
Location:
Auckland
Circa Budget:
$130,000

With 700 students, the school is now home to a brand–new play space that really represents the heart and creativity of this school community. 

With a vision to create a thrilling and exciting new play space at Papatoetoe West School, ex-principal Diana Tregoweth posed a challenge to the student body. To picture their dream play space and brainstorm the many ways they could improve the grounds, play areas, and learning environments at the school to make them more interesting and engaging.  

The student body got behind this project and rose to the occasion, excited to be a part of the transformation and came up with some truly unique ideas reflective of their school community and their needs. Students worked hard to create models, drawings, and presentations of their dream spaces and turned it all in to the senior staff team to make it a reality.  

Diana and her team knew that they wanted to create a different kind of play space for their school, and after visiting Sylvia Park School and seeing their Creo-built entrance space, they knew that this was the company they wanted to collaborate with for their project.  

“As soon as we came back, we contacted Creo, and they came out [to visit]. We told them what we liked, and the children worked right through the term and made models, drew pictures, and gave me ideas of what they would most like in a playground.” 

Creo worked with the school to create a concept design that incorporated the many special elements the students had come up with for their space. One of the most exciting requests was the idea of having a fale in the school to represent the strong Pacific Island community at Papatoetoe West, along with climbing walls, balance play, tunnels, and plenty of space to run around.  

With all these elements in mind, Creo was able to put together a unique design that reflected the local community and the school’s Pacific Island influence with a fale as the centrepiece, surrounded by safety surfacing that features imagery of native flowers, water elements, and games for learning and exploring. A small waka, mounds, steppers, and unprescribed play equipment were also introduced to keep students engaged and challenged in the space.  

The new play area is a combination of all efforts and a shining example of what can be achieved when schools allow students to bring their ideas to the table and give them an opportunity to take ownership of their learning environment. The new space is full of colour, culture, and fun that tells a story of the school’s Pacific community and the importance of being curious and creative.  

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Te Papapa School

Te Papapa School

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With a large community of Pacific Island and Maori students, Te Papapa School is a diverse and multicultural learning environment located in the suburb of Onehunga, Auckland.   

Client:
Te Papapa School
Location:
Onehunga, Auckland
Circa Budget:
$180,000

In 2022 the team at Te Papapa decided to update the entryway into their school and create a more welcoming, bright, and culturally reflective space that mirrors the diverse student body. The school approached Creo to make this happen, and the result is a vibrant and inspiring new entry area. 

Creo worked with the school to design a space inspired by the stories and values of the Pacific Islands. The patterns, imagery, and lush greenery in the space were all selected to create an outdoor environment that celebrates the diversity of the pacific islands and makes students and visitors feel welcome as they enter the school.  

As you move through the space you first pass under a waharoa and are led through a small garden area that is filled with colour and plantings, and into the fale. The fale provides a welcoming seating area for students, families, and visitors to the school. It is a great multifunctional space that can be used as an outdoor classroom, a break-out space, a stage area, and a meeting place.  

There are various design elements that brighten up the fale and the surrounding space, with ground markings and surface imagery of sea turtles, flowers native to the pacific islands, and patterns found in traditional art. The fale space is complete with a kuru pattern symbolising the ocean and its connection to the land.  

Te Papapa School’s new entryway space is a beautiful and inspiring addition to the school. It is a reflection of the diverse student body and the culture of the Pacific Island students and families in their community. This meaningful space is sure to be enjoyed for years to come.  

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What is Unprescribed Play?

Click here to download the Creo “How to Build a Playground in 2022” Guide

Unprescribed play is a concept that rejects the predetermined ways to play and move within a playground.  

It’s a refreshing change from the predictable and modular types of playgrounds that we often see in parks and recreational spaces. These more traditional types of playgrounds don’t offer much room for exploration or imagination and can quickly become boring for children. Whereas a playground that includes something unexpected or unpredictable can spark curiosity and creativity in children. 

Unprescribed play spaces encourage children to explore and discover through open-ended play, which is essential for their development. When children are given the freedom to interpret and engage with their surroundings, they are able to use their imagination and creativity to create their own games and activities. This is what makes play truly fun and engaging for children. 

When it comes to playing, kids are really the experts. As designers, it is our responsibility to create spaces that allow for unprescribed play. This means designing playgrounds that are not overly structured or restrictive. Instead, here at Creo we aim to create playgrounds that offer children multiple options for play, and that can be interpreted in different ways.  

For example, a playground that includes a sandbox, a tunnel, and a water feature can be used in different ways by different children. A child might use the sandbox to create a castle, while another child might use it to create a racetrack. They can crawl through the tunnel or climb over the top and slide down, or it can be used to create an obstacle course. The water feature can be used to splash and play in, or it can be used to create a boat race. The possibilities are endless when children are given the freedom to play in their own way. 

Our three young experts from Tirimoana School explain it all simply when talking about their new unprescribed play space:

 

“I love this playground because this playground is just creative…It’s more imaginative. You can play whatever you want.” 

 

Unprescribed play is essential for children’s development. It allows them to explore, discover, and use their imagination in an open-ended way. Our responsibility is to create spaces that provide children with multiple options for play to keep them engaged and curious about the world around them. When we give children the freedom to play in their own way, we are giving them the opportunity to have fun and to learn in a way that is unique to them. 

 

If you’d like to talk to someone about a future project or would like a concept designed for your space, give us a call on 0800 000 334, or book a 15-minute ideas session with one of our consultants. 

 

 

What is Included in a Creo Concept?

Here are the 4 key elements included in a Creo concept. 

 

Click here to download the Creo “How to Build a Playground in 2022” Guide

 

1. Concept PDF

You will be sent a 2D Concept PDF file complete with supporting imagery of equipment, safety surfacing, materials, and colour pallets. This 2D concept will be an overview of your new play space that includes ideas, themes, and requirements discussed with our play space consultants.  

2. Explainer Video

One of the most helpful elements included in a Creo concept is the explainer video. In this video, your landscape architect talks you through the concept. They go into all the details of the design to provide clarity around the design. You will also be able to take a closer look at particular elements and how they will work for your space.  

3. 3D Render

In some cases, there might also be a 3D render video of the space included in your Creo concept. This 3D rendering comes in a video format where you can virtually see and experience the space, giving you a good indication of how your play space could be used in the future.  

4. Total Cost Estimate

The final component included in a Creo concept might also be the most important. This is an accurate figure of how much your project is going to cost to build. The number will include everything from demolition to preparation, safety surfacing, equipment, and shade. 

Everything that is included in the concept will be costed allowing you the confidence of knowing there will be no further costs to surprise you down the track.  

 

If you’d like to talk to someone about a future project or would like a concept designed for your space, give us a call on 0800 000 334, or book a 15-minute ideas session with one of our consultants. 

 

 

Glenavon School

Glenavon School

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A new, creative space for the junior students at Glenavon School. 

Client:
Glenavon School
Location:
Auckland
Circa Budget:
$175,000

Glenavon School is an active and vibrant, multicultural school made up of students from Year 1 through to 8, located in Auckland.  

With a creative and unique community, Glenavon School centres around nurturing meaningful and engaging relationships and experiences for its students. Part of this focus has been put into creating fun and diverse learning spaces including developing outdoor areas to fit these needs.  

In 2022, Glenavon School principal, Rachel McDonell and her team began working with Creo to help build a brand-new outdoor learning space for their junior students. The new entrant teachers were eager to have a unique space outside where they could take the children and have them engage with the elements they have been learning about.  

“Our new entrant teachers really wanted to develop this space. They were doing a lot of play-based learning within the classrooms, and they wanted to bring it outside.” 

A design outline of the space was created by one of the teachers, and the school began exploring playground companies they could team up with to build their space. After getting in touch with Creo, they shared their ideas, and the design team began putting together a full concept plan using the initial design, refining the ideas and exploring how they can be adapted in the play area. 

The result was an open play environment with a few fixed, equipment pieces such as a tunnel and a wooden waka. Rachel explains:

“We wanted to create this space without a lot of play equipment on it. The idea of this play space is that the teachers actually bring out play equipment for the kids to construct, build, and play with.” 

The open space allows teachers the ability to create a custom learning environment that’s easy to adapt and keeps students engaged throughout the term.  

The positive response they’re received from students and parents about their new space has been encouraging and has led Rachel and her team at Glenavon School to continue developing their outdoor areas into vibrant play and learning environments. According to Rachel, the next big project is centred around creating a space for their intermediate -aged students, and after the success of their collaboration with Creo, she is hopeful to team up with them again soon to begin developing future ideas. 

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What Do We Cover In a 15-Minute Ideas Session?

If you’re starting to think about a new playground project or are looking to transform your existing outdoor spaces but are still a little unsure about how exactly it’s all going to come together, then booking a quick 15-minute ideas session with one of our Creo play space consultants might be a great way to kick things off. 

But what is a 15-minute ideas session and what do you get out of it? 

Click here to book your 15-min Ideas Session with our Playspace Consultant

 

First off, Creo’s 15-minute ideas session is a no-obligation, brainstorming meeting where we can discuss all your vision and ideas for your space. This service is no strings attached and is here to help you get the ball rolling on your project.  

There are 4 things we cover in that 15-minute ideas session: 

 

1. We take a look at high-res aerial images of your site.

We use software that allows us to get an aerial view of your space wherever you might be in New Zealand. The imagery is very up-to-date, and we use this to help us get a glimpse of what your space looks like, so we can begin to understand your vision and brainstorm some ideas that might work for you. 

 

2. Explore your vision and clarify your priorities. 

We do this so we can make sure that we are really focusing on the things that matter to you. It will also help to flesh out the ideas you and your team have been coming up with and how these might fit within your space.

 

3. Discuss your budget.  

This is a really critical part of your planning at this early stage. We spend some time going through your budget and expectations and give you some honest feedback on whether your budget is in line with your vision.  

 

4. We sign off with very clear next steps for you and your team.  

 

So, what do you get out of this 15-minute session? 

Two words. Clarity and Confidence. 

 

Clarity:  
  • You’ll have a very good idea of your priorities and what you are wanting to achieve in the design of your space.  
  • You’ll have clarity on whether your budget is in tune with your vision and what changes if any need to be made if any. 
  • You’ll have an idea of potential issues or hurdles that you might face in the future of your project. Knowing these things in the early stages with give you the assurance you need before you commit to anything.   

 

Confidence: 
  • You’ll leave this session confident that you’re heading in the right direction, with some clear next steps that you need to take. 
  • And by the end of your ideas session, we can ensure that you are working with the most suitable company for your project.  

 

For example, sometimes Creo might not be the best fit for your project. In that case, we’ll tell you upfront in this early session and we can recommend another company that might be better to partner with. 

If Creo is the right fit for your project, and we have some decent aerial imagery, we can push go and start putting together a concept for you.  

 

Ready to book your session? Book now or give us a call on 0800 000 334 to speak to one of our consultants.  

 

 

Do we have to pay for a concept?

One of the most common questions we get asked by clients looking to work with Creo is: “Do we have to pay for a Creo design concept?”.  

Click here to download the Creo “How to Build a Playground in 2022” Guide

The answer is no.  

This is because at Creo we design and build playgrounds. We like to help clients kick off their playground projects and be there throughout the whole process.  

Our team of consultants will give you a concept for your space without any fee required. Though it is good to note, that any concepts our designers create are covered by copyright and they remain as the intellectual property of Creo.  

When you reach out to us for a design concept, we also give you a number, indicating the value of the entire build from start to finish. This gives you the clarity and confidence you need to take to your team and make those critical decisions.  

Creo hardly ever exceeds this initial number when it comes time to turn your concept into a reality. Sure, you might make some changes and tweaks here and there, but we’re with you every step of the way. We can revise the concept and value as needed until you are happy and ready to start your build project.  

Our friendly team of play space consultants are experts in helping you arrange your ideas and guide you through the process of creating your dream playground.  

If you’d like to talk to someone about a future project or would like a concept designed for your space, give us a call on 0800 000 334, or book a 15-minute ideas session with one of our consultants. 

 

 

Clyde River Park Playground

Clyde River Park Playground

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Celebrating history through play.

Client:
Central Otago District Council
Location:
Clyde, Otago
Circa Budget:
$230,000

The new playground at Clyde pays homage to the historical bridge landmark of the community. In 2021 the Central Otago District Council contacted Creo about working on a new play space for its riverside playground.

The historical Clyde Bridge and the Clutha River were used as inspiration for the new space, and Creo’s design team worked to create a custom playground that is truly iconic to the area.

Creo constructed a small replica of the Clyde Bridge to be used as a play equipment piece, with bars for climbing on and a river design underneath that brings a sense of the surrounding environment. By using wet-pour rubber surfacing, the Creo design and build team were able to create a river/water-like design that flows throughout the space and brings a fun and colourful element.

The space also features local materials, like stones and timber pieces that have been reclaimed and brought into the space for a personalised touch. The Creo team were intentional with using materials that complement the Central Otago landscape with elements that add to the Southern, High Country, aesthetic.

A swing set, balance beams, and carousel equipment pieces are focal points in the playground, creating a range of activity opportunities for visitors while playing on the river movement theme, while the concrete track surrounding the new space is perfect for children to ride bikes and navigate around the playground.

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Kaurilands School

Kaurilands School

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Kaurilands School is located in the Titirangi suburb of Auckland. The large primary school has a cohort of around 800 students from Years 1-6, creating a vibrant and rich school community.  
Client:
Kaurilands School
Location:
Titirangi, Auckland
Circa Budget:
$300,000

In late 2020, Kaurilands School began working with Creo to develop some significant outdoor spaces in their school and create some fresh play spaces for both their senior and junior students.  

The previous courtyard space was covered in artificial turf, which wasn’t really working for the school. The sand was becoming messy and with the proximity of the turf to the classrooms, it was becoming a maintenance issue.  

Creo collaborated with the school to create a concept that included 3 different areas.  The main focus was the senior and middle school areas, where they wanted more open spaces for large games, hang-out spots, and outdoor classroom learning.

The Creo team removed the artificial turf and used ground painting to bring colour and flow into the concrete space,creating lines and games to signify where certain spaces were.  The subtle directional design moves people through the space without interrupting any play or sports games taking place.  

On the edge of the concrete space is a deck which was included to act as both a hang-out spot and a space for outdoor classes. It offers a great vantage point to interact with the games and sports taking place while leaving plenty of space for all activities.  

The space around the school hall was also part of the concept. Because there are frequent events happening in and around the school hall, vehicles are always moving through the space. The school wanted a designated area for the markets and events that still looked cohesive with the play area but also created some separation so that vehicles can pass safely and not interrupt the activity taking place.  

The final area is an unprescribed playspace. Complete with a mound, slides, and tunnel, the space is perfect for the younger students at the school. Rubber safety surfacing was used to create a soft landing and tie the play space with the colours of the surrounding courts. The surface design also features the school logo, personalising the space and making it uniquely Kaurilands School.   

The new playspace is vibrant, fun, and exciting. With endless play opportunities and elements to bring the school community together.

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Rewa Rewa School

Rewa Rewa School

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Rewa Rewa School is a primary school located in Newlands, Wellington. The school welcomes students from new entrants through to year 6, offering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.  
Client:
Rewa Rewa School
Location:
Newlands, Wellington
Circa Budget:
$130,000

In 2021, the school approached Creo to help create an engaging space for outdoor learning and add character to underutilized areas in the school. The team at Rewa Rewa were looking for a way to encourage students to interact with the outdoor space and spark their imagination through play.  

Creo worked with the school to create a concept for both an open outdoor learning environment and a small play space down the side of the classroom block, which was an unused area due to its size. The narrow space along the fence line was too small for any traditional play equipment, so Creo began looking for ways to add interest by introducing unique play elements to draw students to the area without overwhelming the space.  

A concept was created bringing a natural and cosy touch to the small space which then flows into a more open learning environment as you move through the space. The natural earth tones make the space feel warm and inviting with seating and ground games making it the ideal hang-out spot for students to spend time in.  

The play space then flows into an open turfed and shaded environment that is perfect for outdoor classroom learning, with comfortable rubber safety surfacing and seating options.  

The Creo team took a sensory approach with the surfacing and equipment elements that were introduced into the space. Looking for ways to add texture and interest into the space through the use of artificial turf, rubber mulch, wood, rocks, and plantings. These little touches have created a well-rounded play space that has brought life into a previously underutilized space within the school.  

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