Northcote Intermediate School’s new fitness trail has inspired hours of interactive play.
Northcote Intermediate School was awarded funding under the Schools Investment Package (SIP) to help develop wellbeing in schools after the first lockdown in 2020. Initially a more traditional playground was installed but with funds left over the school took the opportunity to add a Park Supplies Olympus Warrior Course to their school yard.
Phil Muir, Principal, says the vision was to build an interactive fitness trail which encouraged students to build strength, have fun and to get outside. With the Ninja Warrior TV show a favourite amongst the students, the Olympus Warrior Course was chosen. Standing out for its unique elements, the trail includes crawl nets, overhead hanging bars, rock climbing obstacles, balance ropes, and ladders all designed to challenge kids, build balance and help development strength and agility.
Having seen a fellow school’s Park Supplies playground be installed, Phil was impressed with the quality and creativeness of the equipment. This paired with the glowing recommendations from other schools, Park Supplies were the only company considered for this design and build project.
Set to be installed in early 2021, when Auckland was plunged into a covid lockdown the project faced delays and disruptions. Despite these challenges, Phil praised Park Supplies consistent communication and ability to deliver the playground in a timely manner.
Phil was impressed with the collaborative approach Park Supplies & Playgrounds took towards the entire project and attention to detail in areas. From working with year 8 students to help hone in on the ideal trail to encourage interactive play, to connecting with a local tertiary institution to provide a learning opportunity for the next generation, the community focused approach was clear from the outset.
Now a year on, the Olympus Warrior Course remains a favourite amongst the students of Northcote Intermediate School. The Crawl Net and Rock Climb sections have been a big hit, while the novelty of having their very own version of a Ninja Warrior trail has inspired hours of play.
When asked what advice Phil had for other schools looking to build a new playground with Park Supplies & Playgrounds his message was simple:
“Just do it. When we added the new Olympus equipment to supplement our other playscapes we added much more than another playground. We brought an educational, robust, safe, and fun addition to our school which will provide many years of healthy play for our students. We consider this an asset to not only our school but the whole community.”
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