Working with the children to design their dream playground, Park Supplies & Playgrounds focused on delivering an experience that was inclusive and educational for the children and adults involved.
For Kevin Cronin, Principal of Whangaparāoa Primary, it was an easy decision to ensure the projects design was led by the children.
When a new playground was mooted as a forthcoming project for Whangaparāoa Primary School principle Kevin Cronin, he knew that the design had to be led by the children. Selecting the group of children to be involved in developing their “dream playground” was the easy part. Coming up with their “dream playground” took time. Here is what Kevin had to say;
“Over the course of the year our children worked with the Park Supplies & Playgrounds team to create their dream. We selected a group of children, tasking them to work closely with Jenny from Park Supplies to come up with a concept that would excite and inspire their peers.”
Of course, designing the children’s “dream playground” might include swings as high as Auckland’s Sky Tower or Rockets that shoot over the moon and back, however these ideas form the foundations of the design that can then be translated into more practical and realistic solutions.
With the “dream” designed it was now down to the FUN part of translating the dream into activities, equipment, colours and materials.
As part of the design process Park Supplies & Playgrounds presented a series of 3D designs from multiple angles that really put all the hard work into perspective and gave the children a clear view of what their playground would look like. With Park Supplies guidance, the children took ownership of the project and helped present the winning plan, with Jenny, to the
Whangaparāoa Board of Trustees.
As the playground was under construction, the children were invited by Park Supplies & Playgrounds to visit their Auckland factory/workshop. Adam and Jenny guided them through the manufacture process, from Metal Fabrication to seeing how the materials like Hercules Rope and PolyPlay would be used on their playground.
The children’s visit finished up with lunch and a full Question and Answer session which enabled the children to come away with a real tangible appreciation for the project and what was involved in bringing their dream into reality.
Once completed and the park ready to be opened Whangaparāoa Primary planned an Special Opening Ceremony that the Team from Park Supplies were thrilled to be able to attend,
“The culmination of our work is always evident on the faces of the kids as they get to play and explore their new playground for the first time. The laughter and fun they have is contagious and we were so thrilled to be able to attend Whangaparāoa Primary’s Opening Ceremony.”
So not only have the children learnt about design and manufacturing and experienced something unique to their school, the team at Park Supplies learnt a lot too.
“Seeing how excited the children were and the sense of achievement that comes from seeing their dream manifested from the hard work that they put in was really inspiring for us. We want to take this entire experience into future projects and recreate the joy and excitement that comes from working together with schools and communities to create their dream playgrounds.”
The 'Dream' playground the kids just love.
And as for the school itself and their new playground, here is what Kevin Cronin, Principal, had to say,
“Seeing the finished playground, we really felt we had created something not only for our school but for the wider Whangaparaoa community. The (Park Supplies) team’s willingness to work through the project with our children was one of the most valuable and memorable learning experiences they had during their school year.”
Designing a new school playground is a process that excites everyone involved and the team at Park Supplies want to thank the Children and Teachers at Whangaparoa Primary School for making this journey such an enjoyable one.
Watch the Whangaparoa Primary 'play' journey below.
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
SEND US A MESSAGE
Sign up for our newsletter
