SECTOR: SCHOOL
“The new outdoor space has completely transformed what was previously a wasted area into a highly engaging, usable, and much-loved environment that our tamariki absolutely love.” – Amy Thompson, Deputy Principal
Nestled beside flourishing bush, Meadowbank Primary School’s new junior playspace has transformed a once-unused hillside into a vibrant destination for adventure, exploration and connection. Designed to work with the site’s unique topography, this nature-inspired playground encourages tamariki to challenge themselves, connect with nature and enjoy active play.
Rather than reshaping the landscape, the design embraces the site’s natural contours. Meandering pathways and carefully positioned play features weave through the tiered space, allowing children to explore at their own pace and move naturally from one activity to the next.
At the base of the hillside, an embankment slide and rock climbing wall make the most of the site’s steepest section. Timber cubby houses provide opportunities for imaginative play while creating central meeting points. Balancing logs, cargo nets, rope traverses and totem poles encourage confidence, coordination and movement, with every element supporting nature play and exploration.
Established trees create a setting that feels immersed in nature, while thoughtfully integrated planting softens the landscape. Seating throughout the playground provides welcoming spaces for teachers, whānau and caregivers to relax and supervise.
Since opening, the playspace has become much more than a school playground. It has evolved into a valued community space, with children and families enjoying it well beyond the school day and throughout the weekends.
Transforming an underutilised hillside into a thriving nature-inspired playground has been incredibly rewarding. We would like to sincerely thank the team at Meadowbank Primary School for their trust, collaboration and open communication throughout the project. It was a pleasure to work together to create a unique junior playspace that we hope will inspire adventure, imagination and connection for years of tamariki to come.
“Working with Playscape was an exceptionally easy and seamless experience from start to finish; we loved the design concept right from the outset, any minor tweaks were handled smoothly, and the build was delivered strictly on timeframe and to budget.” – Amy Thompson, Deputy Principal
