After a significant year of planning, we are delighted to share that School Council has received the final concept designs for our new Junior Playground. Alongside the design, we have also received a professional Opinion of Probable Cost.

This is an exciting step forward, but also a challenging one. The works cannot be staged due to the need for full excavation, removal of the existing playground, and extensive ground works before installation can begin.

As a result, the total cost for the project is estimated at approximately $200,000, a major investment for our community, but one that will create an inspiring and enduring space for our students.

Highlights from the Concept Design

The revised design responds to the feedback from both the Sustainability Team and School Council and includes:

• A custom cubby designed for imaginative and creative play.
• Additional sandpit in the lower terraced garden area.
• Productive gardens with ‘Food Cube’ wicking beds, offering opportunities for hands-on sustainability learning.
• Opportunities for First Nations artwork, with identified spaces where a local artist could help bring cultural storytelling into the playground.
• Play equipment options with vertical elements that maximise play diversity in a compact space, with examples provided at a range of cost points.
• Seating areas, with both formal and informal opportunities for students and families to gather.
• Bluestone ‘crazy paving’ and updated surfacing recommendations for durability and to keep our school buildings free of tracked-in dirt and gravel.

The design team has also suggested that our Sustainability Committee could help select plant species, ensuring the plantings are both beautiful and sustainable.

Next Steps

The School Council will now turn its attention to funding and fundraising opportunities. While $200,000 is a significant target, this project represents a long-term investment in our students’ play, wellbeing, and connection to nature. Together, we have already raised $45,000 and will hold these funds for future years of fundraising.  

We are excited to share more with our community in the coming months and will continue to keep you updated on both design progress and how you can contribute to bringing this wonderful playground to life.