Project Case Study

Groves Christian College

School Playground

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A Landmark Nature Play Space for Young Learners

As part of an ambitious campus revitalisation, Groves Christian College partnered with Third Place Design and PARX to deliver a playspace that inspires imagination, exploration and connection. Situated at the main entry point to the school, this space was designed to be more than just a playground; it’s a welcoming landmark for students, families and the broader community. With a focus on evidence-based nature play, the space nurtures physical development, emotional regulation and social skills, creating a rich environment where children thrive through play.

Details

Location: Kingston, QLD

Client: Groves Christian College; Delivered in collaboration with Place Design Group, LD Total and Third Place Design.

Project Type: School Playground

Scope: Playground Revitalisation

Equipment Budget: $260k

Project Overview

The Groves Christian College playspace was the third stage of a wider campus renewal project. The leadership team wanted a space that was developmentally appropriate for Prep students while also providing opportunities for connection across age groups and visibility to the whole school community. It needed to be visually striking without overwhelming its suburban setting, complementing the surrounding landscape while showcasing the school’s vision for education and wellbeing.

Collaboration was at the heart of this project. The client was actively involved in shaping the play experience, requesting key features such as monkey bars to build upper body strength and fine motor skills, and a water play area to encourage tactile learning and sensory regulation. Every element was designed with a clear purpose, blending play value with educational outcomes.

The Finished Space

The completed space is a vibrant nature play oasis, featuring a diverse range of elements to support every child’s journey of growth and discovery. At its heart is the Groves Tallaganda, a custom treehouse that combines adventurous climbing experiences with a safe, enclosed design. Children can explore through nets, climbing panels and lookout decks before taking an exhilarating ride down the twisted tube slide.

An adjacent custom climbing feature promotes brachiation and coordination, with monkey bars included at the school’s request to help develop strength, cross-brain connections and skills that translate into classroom learning. A basket swing brings back an essential play element, promoting collaboration and helping build spatial awareness, risk assessment skills and social negotiation

An interactive water play and sensory area , encourages both play and early science learning. Younger learners are drawn to the sandpit with its hidden fossil dig, fostering imaginative storytelling, problem-solving and inter-age connections as older children delight in creating surprises for their younger peers. The result is a playspace that is not only visually striking but also deeply purposeful, with every element encouraging learning through play, fostering community connection and reflecting the values of Groves Christian College. Designed to grow with its students, it offers daily opportunities for joy, challenge and discovery.