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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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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Clendon Park School

Creating an active space.

Client:

Clendon Park School

Location:

Auckland

Circa budget:

$275,000

In 2021, Clendon Park School worked with Numat REC to re-surface the netball courts at their school, updating the concrete surfaces with wet pour rubber.

Pour’n’Play Sport was used to create the new surfacing. The installation team was able to create crisp court markings using the yellow and blue school colours, adding a unique personal touch to the space.

The new rubber surface is comfortable, safe, and fun to play on. Absorbing shocks and minimising injuries out on the courts.

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Mahara Place

Mahara Place Play Ground

Client:

Kapiti District Council

Location:

Waikanae

Circa Budget:

$

The Mahara Place playground is in the heart of Waikanae, in the Kapiti District Council. Overdue for an upgrade, their existing space was old and dangerous for users.

They required a transformation to improve safety, but not only that, they wanted to make the new playground accessible for users of all abilities.

Understanding their needs and finding the best way to approach this small space to create a unique area, Creo worked with the Council to develop this new great playground.

The Collaborative Approach

Initial Engagement

The project began with a detailed brief from the council, emphasising the need for a safe, imaginative, and culturally relevant play area. Our team’s first step was to understand and explore this brief thoroughly.

Community and Artist Involvement

Key to our approach was the collaboration with local stakeholders, including a Māori artist. This partnership was crucial in integrating local cultural elements into the playground’s design, ensuring the final product was unique and resonant with the community’s identity. Bringing names into the surface design, tying the local story with the land and sea, all aligned with local heritage.

Design Process

Concept Development

Our iterative design process involved multiple revisions to align with the council’s vision and the artist’s creative input. This involved incorporating themes such as water elements, native flora and fauna, and imaginative play features.

Final Design

The approved design was a great blend of safety, creativity, and cultural significance, tailored to cater to children under 5 to 10 years old and simultaneously accommodate multiple families.

Implementation and Features

Safety and Play Elements

The playground featured a ‘Pour n Play’ surface with artistic designs, varied play items like musical instruments, sensory spaces, a ground trampoline, and unstructured play elements.

Cultural and Natural Integration

Reflecting local heritage, the design included Māori art, water themes representing the nearby Waikanae River, and representations of native trees and birds.

A pocket of relaxation

The layout included seating, allowing parents to supervise their children comfortably. Creating a breathing space in the area.

Outcome and Impact

The upgraded Mahara Place playground has become a vibrant and safe recreational space in Waikanae’s urban landscape. It offers a unique blend of imaginative play, cultural education, and communal interaction, serving as the area’s ‘pocket of happiness’.

Community Benefits:

Enhanced Safety: A secure and stimulating environment for children.
Cultural Engagement: Promotes local heritage and environmental awareness.
Social Hub: Acts as a gathering spot, strengthening community bonds.

The Mahara Place project showcases our commitment to delivering playgrounds that are not just functional but are deeply embedded in the local community. We are creating spaces that locals can feel connected to.

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Caroline Bay Playground

A new destination playground for the whole community.

Client:

CPlay

Location:

Timaru

Circa budget:

$275,000

Playground for all!

CPlay story starts from a vision to create a space where users of all ages, abilities and background can enjoy, interact and create memories.

From that vision, the volunteer group was created to bring Caroline Bay Playground back to life with a unique design that tells the story of its people.

CPlay focused on inclusivity, local heritage and making sure that this playground will set the standard for what public spaces should thrive for when designing new spaces.

The Story

Caroline Bay and its surrounding region have a rich and notorious history spanning millions of years. It all began with the reef under the sea, which formed from a lava flow extending from Timaru inland to the shore.

When humans began to explore these lands, the Te Tihi-o-Maru region transformed into a gathering place. Early Maori groups like Waitaha, Rapuwai, and Kati Mamoe would collect food from Waitarakao (Washdyke Lagoon) and head to the West Coast to gather pounamu. Today, Arowhenua is the local marae.

With the arrival of Europeans, Timaru transitioned from a whaling spot to a hub for South Canterbury. The shallow reefs, however, were treacherous. Many ships found themselves wrecked or stranded along the Caroline Bay coastline. This led to the establishment of the Timaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade, whose goal was to rescue passengers and crews from ships that met misfortune on the reef.

These historical episodes are now vividly told at the new CPlay playground, capturing everything from its geological foundations to the local Maori heritage and the European arrivals.

Read the full story at CPlay.

How the Community Created This Space

Through a community initiative, CPlay volunteers collaborated with various groups in Timaru to guarantee that the playground would be inclusive and reflect the local narrative.

Understanding and catering to the community’s genuine desires was crucial for CPlay’s success. The new additions include playground equipment for various age groups, sensory components, and other inclusive features— all based on community feedback.

Generous contributions from numerous donors provided the essential funding, showcasing what the community can achieve when united in purpose.

CPlay Design

The vision to showcase Timaru’s millennia-old story has always driven the community group behind the CPlay concept.

CPlay’s design was a combined effort of the community and outstanding industry partners. Rushton Architects was behind the area’s design, while Creo managed the surface detailing design and equipment layout. Playground Centre designed and manufactured the amazing playground equipment that features Timaru’s Lighthouse and Shipwreck.

Particular design highlights include the bespoke lighthouse and shipwreck, complemented by a surface design that creates a journey into history and local heritage. This journey also features the Taniwha, a creation of the gifted local Maori artist Francine Spencer.

Every part of this playground tells a story, incorporating careful planning and artistic intent, making it unique and visually captivating.

The vision to showcase Timaru's millennia-old story has always driven the community group behind the CPlay concept.

For the Community, With the Community

CPlay would remain a dream without the collective effort of everyone in Timaru. From the diligent volunteers who lifted this project off the ground to the individuals involved in design and on-site work, all played a part in making this project a premier attraction in South Canterbury.

Public play spaces are continually evolving. CPlay stands out by creating a destination catering to users of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. This was only possible due to community engagement, industry expertise, and, most importantly, individuals driven by passion to shape communities for its people.

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Aorangi School

Small design items can be great in thematic playground design, such as this native bird.

Aorangi School

A play space for Tamariki to play with culture and learn with fun.

Client:

Aorangi School

Location:

Rotorua

Circa budget:

$275,000

A School with a Heart

Aorangi School is more than just a place for learning; it’s a community haven in Western Heights, Rotorua, dedicated to empowering its 140 students. Its mission is Empowering, Encouraging, and Engaging everyone to Personal Excellence. But for Principal Kairo McLean, one thing was missing: a culturally reflective, therapeutic, and engaging play space.

The Search for the Perfect Partner: Why Creo?

Principal McLean knew that a traditional playground would not cut it. The school wanted a play space that engaged students, reflected their cultural heritage, and supported their emotional well-being. That’s when Creo was brought into the picture to collaborate with this fantastic project.

The Importance of Personal Engagement

For McLean, the decision to go with a design and build firm was easy. The two-year relationship with a dedicated consultant at Creo ensured a smooth, personalised experience that allowed Aorangi School to realise their dream playground.

When asked what stood out about Creo, McLean said, “They made everything our students wanted possible.” This willingness to adapt and incorporate the school’s unique requirements sealed the deal.

"They made everything our students wanted possible."

Kairo Mclean, Aorangi School Principal

The Transformation: When Dreams Become Reality

When the construction began, McLean knew they had made the right choice. Creo’s professionalism and easy-to-work-with nature reassured the school that their vision was becoming a reality.

The result is a playground that fits Aorangi School’s unique needs. From enabling students to regulate their emotions to imaginative play, the play space is deeply embedded in the school’s values. It even features culturally significant figures like their Kaitiaki, the Kārearea Falcon.

With its new play space, Aorangi School takes a giant leap towards holistic, quality education that doesn’t just teach but empowers. The play space is not merely a place for fun—it’s a cultural emblem, a therapeutic tool, and an embodiment of the school’s high standards for student well-being.

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Kristin School Senior

A gathering, fun space for the children at Kristin School

Client:

Kristin School Senior

Location:

Albany, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$500,000

When Opportunity Knocked

When Kristin School in Auckland had to remove a playground due to the construction of a new bus bay, they found themselves at a crossroads. Creo has worked with them previously, so we were ready to get the fun back to the school with a new playground opportunity. “Our experience with Creo has been very positive,” said the school’s Director of Business Services, Nigel Wilkinson.

A Visionary Approach

Kristin School wanted more than just a playground; they aspired to create a unique space. “This was a new project where we wanted playground equipment as well,” Nigel pointed out. Creo didn’t disappoint. “We approached Creo, and they were able to give us some really good designs very promptly and also a virtual tour of what it would look like. All those things helped us imagine what we could do in this area,” he shared.

The Urban Landscape: A New Concept

Creo introduced the idea of an “urban landscape,” a concept that initially puzzled the school team. “We didn’t understand what benefits that might bring,” Nigel admitted. However, the results were beyond expectations. “What we’ve found now that the playground’s in place is that it’s become a social gathering space for students. It’s much more populated now than it was before.”

"We approached Creo, and they were able to give us some really good designs very promptly and also a virtual tour of what it would look like. All those things helped us imagine what we could do in this area"

Nigel Wilkinson

A Bustling Community Space

“People gathering, talking, using the equipment periodically, and then stepping back and just joining with their friends,” Nigel described the new atmosphere. “And it’s now become one of the busiest places on the campus.” The playground isn’t just a place for play; it’s a vibrant community hub. “You just have to look at the playground at lunchtime and the use it’s getting and the fun and the excitement and the voices of the students to know it’s been a really worthwhile investment,” he concluded.

The Immediate Impact

“Since the day we opened, we’ve had staff, students and just about everybody wanting to have a go at some of the equipment in the playground,” Nigel said, capturing the essence of the playground’s appeal. “It’s safe, exciting and challenging. And those are all the sorts of things year seven and eight students want.”

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Shotover Grove Reserve

Shotover Grove Reserve Playground

Client:

Kapiti Coast District Council

Location:

Kapiti Coast

Circa budget:

$245,000

Challenge
To rebuild and revitalise the Shotover Grove Reserve playground, catering to an older community to engage with their family while promoting a sense of gathering.

The goal was to downsize the playground area and prioritise a larger community gathering space, offering a unique play experience.

Solution
Creo partnered with the council to deliver an innovative design, presenting a fresh perspective on playgrounds. The design considerations included:

A custom-built tower as a centrepiece, complemented by a slide.
A scooter track, ensuring easy access for all.
Distinctive play elements like log jams and Robinia swings, all custom-built by Creo’s team.

The space was envisioned as a hub for living music, capturing the essence of community gathering. Emphasising inclusivity, the playground was designed to be welcoming for both grandparents and their grandchildren.

It also featured two open spaces dedicated to unprescribed play, ensuring ample room for imaginative activities.

Outcome
Creo delivered a stunning natural play playground that went beyond traditional design norms. The transformed Shotover Grove Reserve now stands as a beacon for community interaction, merging play and gathering in a harmonious blend.

It’s not just a playground but a cherished space where multiple generations can bond and create memories together.

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Whitikau Reserve Playground

Marae Modular Play Equipment Tower at Whitikau Reserve Playground

Creo Robinia Play Equipment at Whitikau Reserve Playground

Play equipment at Whitikau Reserve in Opotiki

Whitikau Reserve Playground, a destination space for the town.

Client:

Opotiki District Council

Location:

Opotiki

Circa budget:

$450,000

Transforming Wasteland into a Destination Space

Turning unused land into a thriving community space is no small feat. In Opotiki Township, the Whitikau Reserve Playground has become a symbol of community revitalization and cultural celebration. “It’s about more than just play; it’s about our community’s identity,” says Garry Page, the reserves manager with the Opotiki District Council.

With a skate park and a large green area around it, Whitikau Reserve needed a destination playground to make the area inviting for the whole community.

Listening to the Community

The playground wasn’t designed in a boardroom. Local children were invited to share their ideas and what they wanted in the playground. “We wanted the playground to reflect our community,” Page explains. “Creo helped us incorporate the Two Rivers theme, something unique to Opotiki.”

The final result is a playground that’s become a destination at the Whitikau Reserve. “The children’s joy says it all,” Page says. “Creo’s design and the locally crafted equipment have made this place special.”

Play Video

Featuring Locally Crafted Equipment

Creo’s commitment to quality and authenticity extended to crafting the playground’s equipment in our workshop. This hands-on approach ensured that every element, from the logo in the rubber surfacing to the play equipment, was perfectly aligned with the community’s identity.

Local Culture Representation

The implementation of the local culture is vital for the playground. We designed and built a Marae tower and a waka for the children. Inclusivity was also considered when designing the play space at Whitikau Reserve Playground. Th et-pour rubber surfacing is fully accessible, and the waka has space for children of all abilities to play.

"The children's joy says it all."

Garry Page, Reserves Manager Opotiki District Council

On-time and Budget

Being a complete design and build company, Creo’s commitment to the project timeline and budget was commendable. We finished two weeks ahead of schedule and within the allocated funds. “Creo came in both within budget and ahead of time. That went down very well with us here,” Page affirms. This efficiency allowed extra time for finishing touches, ensuring everything was perfect for the official opening.

Reflecting on the Success of Whitikau Reserve Playground

This project is a success story of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. “Everything Creo said it would deliver, we see out here being delivered,” Page concludes. It’s a testament to what can happen when a community and a company like Creo come together with a shared vision.

The Whitikau Reserve Playground is more than swings and slides. It’s a story of a community coming together to create something meaningful and lasting. It’s a legacy that will continue to bring fun and engagement to Opotiki.

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Hurunui College

Cornerstone equipment, a 7.5m net tower.

Obstacles offer play value, challenge and learning.

A playground for the school and the community.

Client:

Hurunui College

Location:

Hawarden

Circa budget:

$340,000

A Fantastic Play Opportunity

Hurunui College in North Canterbury is a school catering to students from year 1 through to year 13. Recognising an opportunity to enhance the student experience, Principal Stephen Beck and the teachers saw an opportunity when the prefab classrooms were removed to transform the space into a vibrant playground.

Removing old prefab classrooms opened space, setting the stage for an ambitious playground project that would align with the school’s unique rural environment. The project was not just to benefit the students but the community.

Embracing Nature

Embracing the local landscape was at the core of Hurunui College’s playground vision. The school’s leadership wanted a design that resonated with the natural surroundings. Featuring timber play equipment, such as an obstacle course and natural climbing features. This aesthetic decision was intentional and grounded in the community’s connection to nature.

Unprescribed Play – The Centerpiece

One of the main things you will notice as you walk past the playground is a 7.5m climbing net tower. A statement in the playground. Stephen and the teachers wanted to give the children some challenges. “Our kids are really active, love climbing, often climb trees, and we don’t stop too much of that,” Stephen explained.

The playground at Hurunui College has some fun and exciting features that the kids love to use. The basket swing and Viking swing are favourites, and as Principal Stephen Beck says, they ‘get a huge amount of use.’ These parts of the playground aren’t just for fun; they also help the children explore and use their imagination, making playtime more enjoyable and creative

"The thing that stood out for us with Creo was that we only had to deal with one supplier, and they managed the process from design to build to completion."

Stephen Black, Hurunui College Principal

A Playground for The Community

As a small rural community, the new playground is not just for the school. Stephen believes that the space will be of great benefit to the community of Hawarden. “This will be a high-use facility so the community can enjoy this space during the weekends and holidays. A win for everyone!

The Creo Factor

Creo’s expertise in design and building was one of the factors for their choice. We aim to make a smooth and seamless project for all parties involved. Being a one-stop-shop was essential to achieve the desired outcome where Stephen, his students and the whole community could benefit from the fantastic playground they envisioned.

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St Hilda’s Collegiate Playspace

Client:

St Hilda's Collegiate School

Location:

Dunedin

The Outcome

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Wellington Botanic Garden

Client:

Wellington District Council

Location:

Wellington Botanic Garden

Circa Budget:

$950,000

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Clendon Park School

Client:

Clendon Park School

Location:

Auckland

Circa budget:

$275,000

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Mahara Place

Client:

Kapiti District Council

Location:

Waikanae

Circa Budget:

$

Design Process

Implementation and Features

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Caroline Bay Playground

Client:

CPlay

Location:

Timaru

Circa budget:

$275,000

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Aorangi School

Client:

Aorangi School

Location:

Rotorua

Circa budget:

$275,000

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Kristin School Senior

A gathering, fun space for the children at Kristin School

Client:

Kristin School Senior

Location:

Albany, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$500,000

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Shotover Grove Reserve

Client:

Kapiti Coast District Council

Location:

Kapiti Coast

Circa budget:

$245,000

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