Schools

Shaping Better School Spaces

Inspiring play, movement and belonging.

A Practical Guide to Planning Your School Playground

Bringing a new playground to life is one of the most exciting projects a school community can take on, but it also comes with lots of complexity.

Our free Shaping Better School Spaces guide is here to help you navigate key considerations around planning, budgets and equipment choices — so your next playground project runs smoothly from start to finish.

The guide brings together real project examples, practical planning tools and expert insights to help schools design outdoor environments that inspire play, support learning and strengthen community connection.

Inside you’ll find:

Real school playground case studies, including equipment budgets
Age-appropriate design guidance for primary, middle and all ages school environments
A practical school playground planning checklist covering funding, design, surfacing and shade, equipment selection and ongoing care
Durable, low-maintenance school playground equipment options including a range of Australian-made nature-inspired play systems

This resource is perfect for principals, P&Cs and school leadership teams planning a new playground or outdoor learning space.

Download The Guide

“Most people come to us saying they need a new playground. What they really have is a space that no longer works for them. Our role is to see that and support them to reimagine what that space can become.”

— Marcel Veraart, Founder PARX