Nambour Christian College

Nambour Christian College was looking to transform its outdated primary school playground into a show stopping modern outdoor space with elements of fun, risk taking, nature play, collaboration and rest. The school was keen for the playground to reflect its cultural and pastoral values with a centrepiece feature.

The Challenge

Our greatest challenge for this project was the location of the playground itself. The outdoor space set aside for the playground was right in the middle of the junior school, outside busy classrooms and mostly accessible through tight corridors of steep stairs.

The Solution

When you consider that we needed to move 20 x 500 kilogram sandstone blocks into place and build a 13 metre wooden ark, it was essential that most of the heavy machinery work was carried out during the school holidays to ensure the safety of the school community and our team.

We designed a giant wooden ark (13 metres long, 4 metres wide and 3 metres high), to provide the show-stopping centre piece for students, teachers and prospective parents. The ark is of course more than a symbol of the school’s religious values, it is also a place for challenging activity via a fireman’s pole, painted climbing wall, net bridge and a double slide.

We were determined for the ark to resemble a beautiful piece of outdoor furniture, and that’s why dedicated a team of five carpenters to slowly bend the hardwood timber into the shape of a bow.

With risk taking an important element in the brief, an activity rope grid with climbing wall was installed, alongside a playground favourite, monkey bars.

Two distinct areas of nature play were created, in the form of a giant sand pit and dry river bed. A pump at the head of the dry river bed allows water to trickle underneath an intricately carved wooden bridge. Another water pump and conveyer belt is embedded in the sand pit for students to play and develop an understanding of STEM concepts.

The playground accommodates students who need respite from the stinging Sunshine Coast heat via two outdoor timber pods. A yarning circle with seats painted by indigenous artist, Allan Ninyette offers a place for conversation and collaboration.

Stunning Outcome

The playground has breathed new life into the centre of the junior school at Nambour Christian College. The scale of the wooden ark has created a focal point for students and educators, whilst impressing parents who choose to tour the junior school. The students have a play hub that is physically challenging and reinforces classroom learning through nature play and collaboration.