WanaExcel B4 School

A childcare playground can have tunnels, mound and tracks.

WanaExcel B4 School: pushing the boundaries in immersive educational play spaces.

Client:

WanaExcel B4 School

Location:

Wanaka

Circa budget:

$250,000

When Josh Thomas and his family set out to create a transformative children’s play space for their family-run business, WanaExcel B4 School, they dreamed of something beyond the ordinary. Their vision was to convert an unassuming warehouse into a dynamic wonderland where children could explore real-life experiences in a safe, interactive, and engaging manner.

“We constantly want to push the boundaries and have the best of everything that we possibly can,” shared Josh Thomas, one of the directors at WanaExcel B4 School.

Partnering with Creo, they embarked on a journey that would redefine what a children’s play space could be. This wasn’t going to be just another playground; it was a venture to build a miniature world – a unique realm where the boundaries of imagination could stretch and morph.

The warehouse needed to transform into an “indoor-outdoor” play space, encompassing elements that represented the real world. This meant creating a mini ambulance, a store, a construction site, and even a mini-golf course. “Our whole concept is kind of letting kids live through real-life experiences,” Thomas elaborated.

However, this ambitious project was not without its challenges. Creating a dynamic space that would continue to enthral children who come regularly required some clever thinking. The solution lay in incorporating flexible play spaces for interchangeable play elements that could be adjusted to provide a fresh experience over time.

Moreover, the intricacies of playground regulations presented a daunting hurdle. But Creo, with their expertise in navigating the New Zealand Playground Standards, ensured that the play space was not only compliant but also safe and engaging.

“The other thing that was really good for us was that Creo really knew what they were doing in terms of regulations.” – Josh Thomas, Managing Director

Maintenance and durability were other critical concerns. To ensure the space remained as captivating over time as on day one, Creo designed it to be easy to maintain and used materials that could endure the test of time.

The result is an immersive, dynamic play space that exceeded even the high expectations of the founders. “We’re here and couldn’t be happier!” Thomas expressed. The space has been a hit with both parents and children alike, quickly becoming the highlight of the centre.

“We’re here and couldn’t be happier!” – Josh Thomas, Managing Director

The success of the WanaExcel B4 School project is a testament to the power of innovative design, a clear vision, and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety. It is a shining example of what can be achieved when we push the boundaries of what a children’s play space can be.

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Khandallah Little School

Mudkitchen are great for a childcare playground.

Work with the landscape and save on your design.

Client:

Khandallah Little School

Location:

Khandallah, Wellington

Circa Budget:

$100,000

Khadallah Little School is a private preschool located in the Khadallah suburb of Wellington. The preschool cares for young children aged 2-5 and provides them with a social and fun learning environment.

In 2020, the preschool approached Creo to help them re-design their outdoor play area and in place, create a more exciting and dynamic play environment for their children.

The preschool’s pre-existing area and terraced and rather small. The Creo team worked to make the space feel more open by converting the terraced features into play elements by turning it into a large mound that kids could climb on and slide down.

Keeping with a natural look, Creo selected play pieces and features that would fit within the colour palette and textures the preschool wanted in the space. The natural inspiration also translated into the use of natural-based play experiences like the timber logs, the mud kitchen, the sand pit, the water play area, the garden, and the turfed space.

The Creo team were able to tie in all the individual play elements and create a sense of flow within the space, allowing children to experience and explore however they want.

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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The Treehouse Middlemore Childcare Centre

Big areas can use natural elements for a childcare playground.

Natural elements are great for shade in childcare playgrounds

An active and vibrant new play space for the children at Treehouse Middlemore Childcare Centre!

Client:

The Tree House Middlemore Childcare

Location:

Papatoetoe, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$580,000

Treehouse Middlemore Childcare Centre is an early childhood education (ECE) centre located next to the Middlemore Hospital. In 2022, the team at the centre got in touch with Creo to transform their outdoor play areas into safer, more inviting spaces for their children and families. Creo was able to create a beautiful and functional space, that’s vibrant, warm, and fun ready for year-round activity and learning.

The existing site at the centre was full of trees and natural elements that created a cosy environment but required a lot of maintenance. The Creo team set out to retrofit the space within the limits of the centre’s budget and worked with them to create a functional play space concept that was open and fun. Many of the big changes in the space took place in the existing under-twos area, where the sandpit was relocated. The two previously existing sandpits were combined into one, creating a larger sandpit with a water play area. A bike track was introduced and surfaced with rubber safety surfacing. By combining the sandpits and opening the space, the new layout offers better supervision and accessibility for children.

The older children’s area underwent similar changes. The raised sandpit was lowered to make it easier to sweep sand in, and the addition of storage helps keep the environment free of obstacles. The entry to the sandpit was reduced to a bridge structure that helps limit the spread of sand and indicates some boundaries of where the children can play.

A poured rubber bike track was added around the existing treehouse structure helping create both a sense of flow within the space and define the different areas and play types throughout the space. The covered pergola was updated with a new coat of white paint and the surrounding space surfaced with a combination of NumatREC’s MulchSet and Pour’n’Play rubber surfacing, making the play space easier to maintain and introducing some colour and character into the play area.

The Creo team also installed a few new play equipment pieces into the space, including a custom Robinia wood fixed-play piece, a water play feature, and seating around the area. Existing plantings were also relocated and incorporated into the playground along with some more, lower maintenance plants.

The updated space has a modern and vibrant look, that has added colour and texture to the play space at the centre.

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Beststart Silverdale

Sand pits are present in adventure playground design.

Shade in playgrounds with children playing freely

Client:

Beststart Silverdale

Location:

Silverdale, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

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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Kia Ngawari Te Kōhanga Reo

“He taonga whakahirahira.” [A gift of inspiration.]

Client:

Kia Ngawari Te Kōhanga Reo

Location:

Mataura

Circa Budget:

$170,000

Located in the rural town of Mataura, Kia Ngawari Te Kōhanga Reo opened its doors to the community in 2005. Since then, the centre has been used as a kōhanga where children come and learn, immersed in Te Reo and Māori values.

Being connected to the Whenua and the surrounding environment is central to the lessons and lifestyle at Kia Ngawari. Because of this, the outdoor space at the centre is super important.

After dealing with a tired, bark playground that wasn’t suitable for year-round activity, the centre’s management decided to look at alternative play spaces. Pam and Trish who teach at the centre explained,

“We had a bark playground, and it just wasn’t suitable in the wintertime. It was too cold and damp… only in the summertime we could come out and have a little play.”

The team at Kia Ngawari began looking at playground options and how they could develop their outdoor space into something unique and representative of the values and Mana of the centre.

Through gathering community support and finding funding for their papa tākaro [playground], they discovered Creo.

“Whaea Anah, our kaitari. When she found Creo, that was the one to go with. Because they had other examples of other papa tākaro. Other parks that are made at schools, at kōhanga reo, and we loved what we saw.”

Creo collaborated with the community at the kōhanga to create a space that nestles into the natural surroundings and location of the centre. The colours represented in the design derive from the colour palette found in the nature around the kōhanga. A wet pour rubber maunga structure was created as a focal point in the space. Incorporating unprescribed and water play opportunities for the children, connecting them to the Whenua. A small road surface design surrounds the maunga, featuring arrows and a zebra crossing that can be incorporated in both play and learning.

The new papa tākaro is a space that’s encouraging the children at Kia Ngawari to explore and grow their imaginations while connecting to each other and the world around them.

“They can relate all of that to mother nature which is a direct flow from the ngahere [forest] all the way down to our māra [garden]. So, this is all about sustenance and that circle of life for our tamariki.”

Both Creo and the team at Kia Ngawari worked together to create a space that was representative of the culture and values of the centre. Adding personal touches to the space that really set it apart and make it unique to the kōhanga and its community. The ability to combine and execute the vision of the kōhanga in this space has inspired Trish and Pam to continue looking for ways to extend their play space and build on the whanaungatanga with Creo.

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Just Kidz Ormiston

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Just Kidz Ormiston is a brand new ECE in the heart of the Ormiston Town Centre.

Client:

Just Kidz

Location:

Ormiston, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$220,000

Just Kidz Ormiston opened its doors at the beginning of 2022. Located in the new community shopping complex, the centre is tailored for infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers, with a capacity of 63 children. Just Kidz Ormiston is a bright, modern centre with plenty of outdoor space to explore, play, and learn in.

Creo has been a part of bringing together many play spaces in Just Kidz centers throughout the country. Vanessa Henry, Operations Manager at Just Kidz Franchise System Ltd, first met with Creo more than five years ago. She has since been working with the Creo team to create fun and functional play spaces at all new build Just Kidz centres across New Zealand.

“Each one has a unique feel and exciting elements, whilst incorporating our Just Kidz themes and colours to ensure the brand is reflected and united. We have a long-standing relationship here.”

When the new centre at Ormiston was in development, Vanessa reached out to Creo to manage the build of the new outdoor play area. The brief was for a safe and inspiring play space that incorporated as many natural elements as possible to accompany the modern setting of this new centre.

The design of the space centred around engaging and inspiring the children through nature, unprescribed play opportunities, and flexible play pieces. A natural colour palette was used, full of greens, blues, and earth tones that were reflected in the surfacing and the equipment selected for the space. Various plantings were added to the space along with appropriate shading to protect children from the sun.

“I love the natural elements… how the soft pour surfacing looks like bark to bring that natural feel, the plantings, the mounds and logs, the seated picnic and activity areas, the colours and overall flow.”

The result is a spacious yet cosy play area that fulfils all the needs of the centre. The space is inviting, open, and full of play elements to keep children engaged.

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Tiny Voices

The play space at Tiny Voices in the Wellington CBD is a unique project, capturing the most beloved playtime elements and bringing them to a rooftop setting.

Client:

Tiny Voices

Location:

CBD, Wellington

Circa Budget:

$170,000

The team at Tiny Voices collaborated with Creo to create an exciting and open play space for their centre. Its rooftop location was a unique feature requiring thorough planning to create a conventional play experience full of engaging opportunities while making sure the space stayed safe, compliant, and fun.

Creo worked to optimise the rooftop area with a design that kept the play space very open and accessible. The centre was looking for a natural outdoor feel and Creo delivered this through the use of various play elements such as bike tracks surrounding the perimeter, rocks and a sand pit, and water play.

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Kelburn Pre-School & Nursery

Kelburn Pre-School & Nursery, Wellington_DSC_0931

Kelburn Pre-School & Nursery, Wellington_DSC_0926

Kelburn Pre-School & Nursery, Wellington_DSC_0972

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Kelburn Pre-School & Nursery, Wellington_DSC_0956

Nature is celebrated through sensory play and design at Kelburn Pre-school & Nursery.

Client:

Kelburn Pre-School & Nursery

Location:

Kelburn, Wellington

Circa Budget:

$100,000

The Wellington centre offers a “safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment” dedicated to seeing tamariki develop positive connections toward learning by building relationships and confidence through lessons and play.

In 2019, the team at Kelburn Pre-school and Nursery reached out to Creo for a fresh design and concept to update their existing outdoor play area.

The brief centred around creating a space that provided play and learning opportunities for a range of ages.

There were existing fixed elements in the space that the centre wanted to include in the new space.

Creo embraced those elements and built a concept that kept to the naturalistic feel of the space and created flow across the entire site.

The new play space follows a nature-inspired design that provides a range of different play types using both existing and new natural elements.

The site features an interactive mud kitchen, a large sandpit, balancing logs, a water-rock play area, little huts sheltered in the perimeter of the space, central plantings, some flexible play equipment and even a little area for the under twos that keeps them safe while still making them feel part of the playground.

Centre manager Megan says the children love to play in the open space.

“It allows us lots of flexibility to set up activities and have the space to run and ride bikes.

The access to the sand pit for our babies allows them to have the ability to move themselves in and out at their own pace.”

There is a big focus on sensory play elements in the play space.

There are various textures going on with natural plantings, turf, sand, water, concrete, and even sleepers embedded in the pathways.

The whole site flows together and gives the kids a complete sensory experience when they’re outside interacting with the space.

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Papatoetoe Kids

Papatoetoe Kids is a new ECE centre located in the growing Kohuora community.

Client:

Papatoetoe Kids

Location:

Papatoetoe, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$220,000

Owner and director Glen Tuala first heard about Creo through an ECE industry exhibition where he was introduced to Creo’s design and build approach to creating play spaces.

After doing some research he found that Creo would be a great fit for the new play space project at the Papatoetoe Kids centre.

The one-stop-shop service Creo offered made the process easy and kept communication clear which was very important to Glen and his team.

Glen gave Creo a clear brief to create something that could reflect “the diverse community and provide an educational setting for tamariki to learn, create and grow.”

The new playspace was designed to cater for a range of age groups and abilities.

There are many types of play elements included, including a sandpit, mounds, a slide, fixed play structures, and an open area for running around and outdoor learning. Shading was also installed into the space to provide cover for when the children are outside.

Seeing the children’s reaction to their new play space only confirmed that Glen and his team had made the right choice by collaborating with Creo on this project.

The outdoor area has encouraged physical activity among all age groups from infants to toddlers, and the bright colours bring life into the space.

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Kristin School Kindergarten

An exciting update to the play space at Kristin Kindergarten focused on safety and easy maintenance.

Client:

Kristin School Kindergarten

Location:

Albany, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$125,000

Kirstin School is an independent, co-educational school located in Albany, Auckland. The school has a roll of 1800 students ranging from kindergarten through to Year 13, with 48 students enrolled in their Kindergarten.

In 2021, Creo worked with Kristin School on a project to update the outdoor play area at the Kristin Kindergarten on-site.

Kristin Kindergarten aspires to embrace children’s wonder, playfulness, and love for learning. Creating a safe and exciting play area was a priority for the staff and directors at the school.

Kristin School approached Creo after needing new outdoor surfacing in the Kristin Kindergarten. The previous surface had become hard, worn, and unforgiving over time.

Nigel Wilkinson is the director of business services for Kristin School and worked alongside Creo to make create a space that catered to the needs of the students. Nigel approached three suppliers for proposals on upgrading their surfacing, including Creo. He recalls being impressed with Creo’s proposal and vision for the space. Along with the team’s responsiveness.

“Creo’s proposal stood out from the rest and made it very easy for us to choose them. Their response to us and responsiveness was what made the difference.”

The team at Kristin School were looking for a surface and design that was ultimately safe, looked good, and was easy to maintain.

They concluded that Creo’s design and suggestions were the best fit for their project. Nigel explains how all the factors they were looking for were presented by Creo. “The design they came up with, and the way they presented the design which was with a video simulation, really helped to sell the playground to us.”

Nigel also mentions how Creo’s clear plan and implementation were another important factor, contributing to a simpler process. “There was good planning, good communications, and during the construction stage we were also kept well briefed.” Creo’s team of installers worked on-site during the summer to meet the school’s deadline of having the play space ready for the new year.

The result is a space that is safe, colourful and exciting for the young students and their parents. The cushioned rubber surface is comfortable and works in reducing fall-related injuries, while still looking good. “It’s a well-cushioned surface, and we feel safe now in letting the kids explore it fully and really have a good time on the surface.”

When asked about his favourite feature of the new play space, Nigel mentions the road tracks designed into the surface.

“The bit I like, is actually, what looks like a road, that the kids can take their scooters around at lunchtime. I’ve seen them travelling at quite high speeds around that, and it’s great to know that it’s safe as well as good fun.”

The new Kirstin Kindergarten play space is getting all the love from students, staff and parents alike, and with upcoming projects, we look forward to seeing more exciting outdoor spaces come to life at Kristin School.

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WanaExcel B4 School

Client:

WanaExcel B4 School

Location:

Wanaka

Circa budget:

$250,000

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Khandallah Little School

Client:

Khandallah Little School

Location:

Khandallah, Wellington

Circa Budget:

$100,000

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

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The Treehouse Middlemore Childcare Centre

Client:

The Tree House Middlemore Childcare

Location:

Papatoetoe, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$580,000

The updated space has a modern and vibrant look, that has added colour and texture to the play space at the centre.

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Beststart Silverdale

Client:

Beststart Silverdale

Location:

Silverdale, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

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

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Kia Ngawari Te Kōhanga Reo

“He taonga whakahirahira.” [A gift of inspiration.]

Client:

Kia Ngawari Te Kōhanga Reo

Location:

Mataura

Circa Budget:

$170,000

“We had a bark playground, and it just wasn’t suitable in the wintertime. It was too cold and damp… only in the summertime we could come out and have a little play.”

“They can relate all of that to mother nature which is a direct flow from the ngahere [forest] all the way down to our māra [garden]. So, this is all about sustenance and that circle of life for our tamariki.”

Want to see more projects like this one?

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We're here to help

Just Kidz Ormiston

Just Kidz Ormiston is a brand new ECE in the heart of the Ormiston Town Centre.

Client:

Just Kidz

Location:

Ormiston, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$220,000

“Each one has a unique feel and exciting elements, whilst incorporating our Just Kidz themes and colours to ensure the brand is reflected and united. We have a long-standing relationship here.”

“I love the natural elements… how the soft pour surfacing looks like bark to bring that natural feel, the plantings, the mounds and logs, the seated picnic and activity areas, the colours and overall flow.”

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

We're here to help

Tiny Voices

Client:

Tiny Voices

Location:

CBD, Wellington

Circa Budget:

$170,000

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Kelburn Pre-School & Nursery