Project Case Study

Scenic Shores State School

School Playground

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Creating a Vibrant Play Hub for a Brand New School

When Scenic Shores State School opened its doors in January 2024, its leadership envisioned a playspace that would reflect the school’s culture of care, support and community. Guided by their motto “Keep Learning. Be Kind. Have Fun.” this project aimed to deliver an outdoor play environment that was inclusive, exciting and inspiring for students of all ages and abilities.

Details

Location: Redland Bay, QLD

Client: Scenic Shores State School; Delivered in collaboration with JFP Urban Consultants and Department of Education.

Project Type: School Playground

Scope: Junior Playground Development for New School Build

Equipment Budget: $304k

Project Overview

This school playground was developed together with the Department of Education and Scenic Shores’ founding Principal, Sue Hendriks, an educator with over 30 years of experience and a deep commitment to fostering safe, joyful learning environments.

In collaboration with JFP Urban Consultants, PARX delivered two distinct play areas: a junior playspace and a Prep playspace, linked by open lawns and flowing pathways.

With a focus on nature-inspired play and tactile experiences, the space offers children endless opportunities to challenge themselves, collaborate and grow. From trampolines and water pumps to sensory hammocks and climbing systems, every detail was carefully considered to support the school’s vision

The result is a dynamic environment where children can engage in active, tactile and social play every day.

The Finished Space

The completed playground includes two interconnected zones filled with innovative play features designed to support physical, sensory and social development.

Central to the Prep playspace is the Barool, a nature-inspired climbing system featuring five bays of active play where children can roll, balance and traverse through hex mazes, suspended pommel walks and wobbly bridges, encouraging imaginative play, collaboration and confidence-building. The Culgoa adds a multi-textured sensory experience by combining hardwood timber with smooth stainless steel, connected by delta nets that create areas for climbing, sitting or socialising. A basket swing and Watagan hammocks complete the space, offering children a choice of pace for play

Nearby, the Junior play area, increases the level of adventure with the iconic Bellthorpe — delivering a striking net climbing challenge that builds strength, coordination and problem-solving skills. More daring students can take on the Narkoola with its wobbly bridges, pommels and angled ropes for a extra challenge. Children can enjoy the bouncing fun of an inclusive in-ground jumper or relax on the nearby Onkaparinga hammocks.

Together, both playspaces offer a balanced, engaging experience where every child can find something to suit their ability, mood and needs.