Hauraki School
Oamaru
In 2021, the team at Hauraki School approached Creo to help create a new play space to accompany a new build taking place on the school grounds. The play area was designed to create a continuation of indoor classroom learning and take that learning environment outside.
Since its completion, the shelter has transformed how Ardgowan School connects with its community. Students use it daily for everything from lunch breaks to rainy-day basketball games. Whānau gather there for school events, and even during the holidays, the space has been buzzing with activity. “Families have been coming up to use the space—it’s already become a go-to spot for our community,” Ryan said.
The shelter’s benefits go beyond just providing a practical space. It has created opportunities for people to connect through shared events, casual catch-ups, or simply watching the tamariki play. “It’s become a place where people come together, and that’s something really special,” Ryan noted.
The ripple effect has even reached other schools, with local principals getting in touch to learn more about the shelter. “A colleague down in Dunedin reached out after seeing an article about it in the paper,” Ryan said. “I told them, ‘Get in touch with Creo—they’ve been amazing.’”
A “learning through play” approach was embraced in the space with a design that incorporated many natural elements including, sand, water play, and plantings. The existing palm trees were incorporated into the design along with larger rocks to give the space an open feel that ties into the surrounding school environment.
Wet pour rubber safety surfacing was used to create a multi-functional shaded area for classrooms to come out and use for learning. The play area is also full of smaller seating and gathering spaces that act as break-out spots which can be used for outdoor classroom learning.
The new play space at Hauraki School is an open oasis for outdoor learning and play opportunities.
Connect with our team to design a vibrant playground, select top-tier equipment, explore safe surfacing, choose complete packages, or add shelters. Your ideas drive our creations.