Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic School – Playspace

Taking inspiration from the railway line that runs adjacent to the site, the playground adopts an industrial railway theme to inspire curiosity and imagination – complete with a bespoke play tower, creek bed and sand pits with diggers and cranes. A circuit of railway track themed pathways link the play elements and provide a direct connection to the recently completed Stage GLA building located adjacent to the playground.

The playground design provides a range of play opportunities for students of all abilities and ages with the inclusion of equal access equipment and opportunities for sensory play. Hidden details have been scattered throughout the site to encourage students to communicate, collaborate and work together. An example of this is the hidden push button within the bridge to activate water play in the creek bed to deliver water to the sand pits located at either end of the creek.

The bespoke play tower at the heart of the playspace was developed in conjunction with Dirtwork landscapes, designed to incorporate innovative and challenging play experiences. Students are encouraged to climb, crawl and balance as they navigate the climbing nets, ladders, rope bridge and rock scramble.

Early contractor engagement with Dirtwork during concept stages lead to a collaborative approach throughout the entire design process, working together to refine design detail, materials and construction methodology to deliver a unique and robust design which will inspire play for decades to come.