What was a flat concrete gathering space for assemblies is now a fun, inviting area that looks very modern.
By 2021 Upper Harbour Primary School faced a challenge with their large, underutilised courtyard space.
Used primarily as a thoroughfare for students running from one area to another the space was not an attractive area for students to spend time socialising or playing in. The area which Principal Sue Smith describes as consisting of “manky, patchy grass” would become extremely muddy during the winter months and had to be roped-off to students.
Sue decided that a complete transformation was required and utilised a Project Manager to help with the venture, the Project Manager in turn reached out to Park Supplies & Playgrounds, a trusted partner in this space.
The goals for the breakout area project were to; design an attractive area which spread out play spaces within the school, create additional outdoor learning spaces and provide an area which could be utilised for speeches, reading and plays.
Sue dealt with Park Supplies & Playgrounds consultant Melissa (Mel Cowie) on the design of the playground and was suitably impressed
"We dealt with Mel and she was great - very helpful and informative! She came out to our school and helped us design a solution which exceeded our expectations" - she says.
The new breakout area design consisted of four different areas – some small block walls were removed to make the areas more accessible and transform each area into its own unique space.
The new areas included a large raised koru mound, balance equipment, a sandpit and a twister game. A large wooden amphitheatre, now known as “The Grandstand”, was also built outside the library where students could read or perform plays to their peers.
The build and installation of the breakout area was seamless and professional share’s Sue
"the installers were nice guys, very professional and respectful, they worked hard and really got on with the job. We had the school open at the same time and they were easily able to work safely and independently."
Sue was also highly complementary of the builders “the team that built the amphitheatre and sandpit were astonishing. The quality of their workmanship was magnificent, and I could not speak more highly of them.”
The new breakout area has had a positive impact on the school and students; it has extended their useable library area to include an outdoor reading area, created a modern and exciting play area for students to enjoy and allowed a practical and interesting outdoor learning space.
According to Sue the staff and students are thrilled withthe result, she shares
“the project has transformed the area significantly, what was a flat concrete gathering space for assemblies and welcomes etc. is now a fun, inviting area that looks very modern. We are a fairly small site and in the winter the field becomes unusable, we now have fantastic extra play area which is extremely popular! The most popular element is the raised koru shaped mound – kids were swarming it this morning; they love it as it provides elevation to the space and they can run up it and slide down. The sandpit is also hugely popular with the junior classes who are located nearby. We often have families bringing their children to play at the school outside of school hours and it’s lovely to see them all enjoying the area.”
On her experience working with Park Supplies & Playgrounds on their breakout area Sue is quick to say “I would not hesitate to use them again for another breakout area or playground, it was such a positive experience and we are extremely happy with the outcome. I also wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to other schools looking to transform their current play area.”
Is your school planning a new playground?
If you would like more information or assistance in planning your playground please get in touch with us on
0800 752 947
or contact one of the team below
READY TO GET STARTED
Simply contact us to start planning your next project, or if you prefer browse our products online and create your own enquiry cart!
SALES MANAGER
Mobile: 021 822 676
Phone: 09 527 4666
Email: jenny@parksupplies.co.nz
PLAYGROUND CONSULTANT
Mobile: 021 0805 3949
Phone: 09 527 4666
Email: dan@parksupplies.co.nz
PLAYGROUND CONSULTANT
Mobile: 021 243 7038
Phone: 09 527 4666
Email: adrian@parksupplies.co.nz
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