Anderson Bay School

Playground surface with different material, some pillars in gray.

Creating a challenging and natural play environment at Anderson Bay School.

Client:

Anderson Bay School

Location:

Dunedin

Circa Budget:

$220,000

Andersons Bay School is a primary school located in Dunedin. In 2022, the school worked with the design and build team at Creo to create a brand-new play space for its students.

In the early stages of the project, the school expressed that they wanted a fun new play environment with a natural look that could be both exciting and challenging for students.

Principal Pauline Simpson explained: “The importance of the natural environment is huge for us. We wanted to create something that gave a natural feel while giving children challenge and fun activities to use in their break times and also as part of their learning.”

After designing and concept that incorporated natural wooden materials, landscaping, unique equipment pieces, and safety surfacing, the install team got on site and because to bring the space to life.

The installation phase of the project at Andersons Bay School didn’t come without it’s set of challenges. The Creo team worked during one of the wettest winters on record, dealing with continuous rain for a number of weeks. Despite the difficult conditions, the Creo team continued to work through the rain and bring the playground together.

The result is an open, and natural play space that blends into the landscape surrounding the school.

One of the most popular items in the new playground is the flying fox. According to Principal Simpson, the children love it. “It is so well used by the children. It develops their upper body strength. It develops their do-operation. It’s surprising just how creative they can be with it.” Other features in the playground include a range of balance beams, swings, a climbing rope tower, and a slide.

The new playground has had a significant impact on the school community. Students now have access to a range of fun and challenging activities during their break times, and the playground also serves as a learning tool during class time. The playground has become an asset to the school visually, blending in perfectly with the natural landscape, and has also provided children with even more opportunities for creative play.

“At the end of it, we have a happy community and happy children who love this area down here. Visually it’s an asset, and it’s also an asset in terms of giving our children even more creative play options.”

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.

Lorna Irene Reserve Playground

Winner of the 2023 Playground of the Year Award!

Client:

Kapiti Coast District Council

Location:

Paraparaumu

Circa Budget:

$390,000

We are extremely proud to introduce you to the Lorna Irene Reserve Playground, the celebrated recipient of the prestigious 2023 Playground of the Year Award by Recreation Aotearoa. Now an iconic feature of Paraparaumu, this playground stands as a testament to the power of inclusivity and community engagement.

Recognising a growing need for wheelchair-accessible playgrounds, the Kapiti Coast District Council, in partnership with Creo, began a transformative journey in 2022 to reimagine the existing playground at Lorna Irene Reserve. Our mission was clear: to create a universally accessible, fully inclusive play space that welcomed all children in the Kapiti Coast community.

The former playground, with its high edging, bark surfacing, and non-inclusive equipment, presented barriers to play for many children. The community’s desire for an inclusive play space was particularly acute in the Lorna Irene neighbourhood, home to a child who used a wheelchair. Bolstered by strong community support, the council embarked on a plan for a playground that would not only meet the needs of differently abled children but also enrich the play experience for the wider community.

Creo, who specialises in innovative playground designs, was brought onboard to breathe new life into the Lorna Irene playground. Our team focused on crafting an inclusive, sensory-oriented design that catered to a broad spectrum of ages and abilities. The goal was to create a playground that delighted everyone, with a special focus on ensuring the local child who used a wheelchair could fully enjoy the space. Initial designs and 3D concepts were presented to the council and shared with the local community, encouraging extensive feedback before proceeding to construction.

Drawing from their extensive experience in designing and building inclusive play areas, our design team introduced unique play elements and equipment to ensure the playground was both engaging and safe.

The Creo team replaced the previous playground’s edging and bark surfacing with a smooth, seamless surface that improved access to and around the playground. They introduced novel, accessible play equipment, including a large basket swing, a wheelchair accessible trampoline, an inclusive carousel, an accessible tower structure with a slide, and a variety of sensory elements like mirrors, windows, musical walls and ground games. To further enhance the sensory experience, they used a combination of surfacing materials to create different textures and incorporated natural plantings to foster a welcoming and inviting ambiance.

The revamped Lorna Irene Reserve Playground has since become a haven of fun and connection for children of all abilities. We are immensely gratified that it has been recognized by Recreation Aotearoa, and we warmly invite you to visit and experience this award-winning, inclusive playground for yourself.

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.

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.

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.

Centennial Park Balclutha

Balclutha’s Centennial Park is quickly turning into a destination play space for locals and the nearby community.

Client:

Centennial Parks Trust

Location:

Balclutha

Circa Budget:

$480,000

Stage 1 of the project is finally complete! Accompanying the bike track, dog park, and surrounding green space, this new playground area is full of fun equipment pieces and colours.

The play space project at Centennial Park is a feat of passion by the community group in Balclutha. They came together wanting to establish a wider park space for everyone to enjoy, and little by little, have been making it a reality.

Creo began working with the community a few years ago, creating a master plan of the space for them to reference when installing equipment and developing the area.

With a range of activities planned for the park, the project was broken down into various stages. The first of which featured a dog park and bike track which the team at Creo planned and the community members installed and put together.

From there, the group began fundraising and gained the support of the local community to create the new playground. Equipment pieces were sourced and funded from various suppliers, and with the help of the Creo team, each element was pieced into the playground design.

By managing the project design and build process, the team at Creo were able to take a load off the community members driving the park development.

The designers worked to tell the story of Balclutha and its surrounding areas through the colour choices, equipment, and surfacing in the playground. The more junior play space created in Stage 1 of the project, is full of fun play elements like the tower slides, swings, balance beams, and trampoline.

The play area extends from the bike track previously installed, creating flow between the areas of the park.

Stage 2 is set to create a more senior play space that includes more challenging play elements for older children and adults to enjoy. An outdoor fitness circuit has also been planned for the next stage and is set to make Centennial Park a hotspot recreational space for years to come.

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.

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.

Western Heights School

Client:

Western Heights School

Location:

Henderson, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$260,000

Western Heights School is an exciting multicultural school made up of 725 students from over 50 different nationalities. The primary school is located in West Auckland for children from years 1 through 6.

Principal Ash Maindonald has been at the school for a number of years and in 2022 he reached out to Creo in the hopes of transforming the central area of their school into a vibrant space for students.

Ash describes the previous space as an “absolute eyesore”. The school’s central courtyard featured a big bark area with bushes and hedging, but the plants all got root rot leaving the space bare and dull.

“It was really depressing to bring new families into an amazing school and have them look at a centrepiece in the centre of our school that was just horrible.”

Transforming the space into something that was practical, colourful, and fit for purpose was very important to the school.

Ash spoke with other principals in the area who had previously worked with Creo, and asked them about their experience, the result, and how their spaces have worked out for the children at their schools, and after exploring Creo’s body of work on the website, Ash contacted the team to begin the project at Western Heights School.

“They came out [to the school], and spent quite a bit of time, at morning teas and lunchtime, just observing our children. Seeing how they played, seeing how they interacted and getting a feel for the culture of the school. Based on that, they came back with a proposal. That really impressed me.”

Creo worked closely with Ash and his team to make sure the space was built for a purpose and could provide value to the school and its students. The design team came up with a colourful and dynamic space that created different play opportunities and new elements that were exciting and challenging for the students.

A big feature of the previous bark space was two large trees that the school cherished and wanted to keep in the new play area. So Creo incorporated the trees into the space, adding a permeable rubber surface at their base, allowing the trees to continue to thrive, while also providing a soft cushion landing for students who climb the trees.

The new play space includes a combination of textures, play elements, and unique equipment pieces that keep kids engaged and draw people into the play space.

“When the project was finished, it was flooded with children. And it’s flooded with children every day. Little ones, big ones, they just love it. They can hang out, they can relax, they can challenge themselves, they can find peace, they can find friendship. It’s a really cool, fun place for them.”

The space is full of unique touches like the personalised surfacing and the inclusion of trees in the space. It’s a reflection of the fun, creative, energy of the school and its students.

“From day one, when Ben turned up and did his research, through to when Keith came in and talked about the project and how it would go. Every single person was brilliant. I can’t thank them enough. This company [Creo] is phenomenal.”

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.

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.

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.

Orewa College

Client:

Orewa College

Location:

Orewa, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

Project Overview: Creo was appointed with a mission to redefine the outdoor spaces at Orewa College. The task was to transform two busy areas, converting what was once a bleak, concrete-dominated space into a vibrant, welcoming, and safe environment for the students.

Beginning of the Journey: The transformation journey commenced with a tour of the school grounds with Jennifer, the project manager from Fat Parrot. It was clear from the outset that the project demanded more than mere aesthetics – it called for a holistic design-build approach. Thus, Creo embraced the challenge to create an area that was not just visually appealing but also functional, safe, and inclusive.

Creospace Transformation: The two sections of the school were marred by extensive concrete, which gave it an unwelcoming and cold appearance. It was disjointed due to uneven surfaces and obstructed by tree roots and old tree stumps.

However, instead of seeing these as roadblocks, Creo viewed them as opportunities for improvement. A concerted effort was made to remove the physical barriers, like the tree stump and uneven ground, to create smooth, level access throughout the space.

Creating a Warm and Welcoming Environment: The design ethos for this project revolved around transforming the once dreary space into a bright, inviting, and safe environment. The old concrete was replaced with a lighter and warmer rubber surfacing, completely altering the area’s overall aesthetic.

Trees within the area were not seen as hindrances but rather used as natural elements to enhance the space. Seating was placed around the remaining trees, providing unique and comfortable “hang-out” zones for students.

The Outcome: The transformation of two key areas at Orewa College has been a triumph. The once cold, disjointed space has been completely revitalized into a welcoming and warm environment, full of light and life. With plenty of seating and space to move around, it’s become a popular spot for students to relax, eat, study, and socialize.

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.

Marist School

Client:

Marist School

Location:

Mt Albert, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$170,000

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.

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.

Kereru Park Campus

Client:

Kereru Park Campus

Location:

Rosehill, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$177,000

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.

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.

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.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Anderson Bay School

Client:

Anderson Bay School

Location:

Dunedin

Circa Budget:

$220,000

“At the end of it, we have a happy community and happy children who love this area down here. Visually it’s an asset, and it’s also an asset in terms of giving our children even more creative play options.”

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

Lorna Irene Reserve Playground

Client:

Kapiti Coast District Council

Location:

Paraparaumu

Circa Budget:

$390,000

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

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.

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

Centennial Park Balclutha

Client:

Centennial Parks Trust

Location:

Balclutha

Circa Budget:

$480,000

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

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

Western Heights School

Client:

Western Heights School

Location:

Henderson, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$260,000

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

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.

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

Orewa College

Client:

Orewa College

Location:

Orewa, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

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

Marist School

Client:

Marist School

Location:

Mt Albert, Auckland

Circa Budget: