Goodstart’s Brisbane (Ann Street) Early Learning Centre underwent a refurbishment in early 2017 in which Greenedge Design prepared a nature-themed ‘outdoor’ play space design for the two indoor play areas. A strong design element is the ‘indoor trees’ which offer visual delight and the ability for the children to interact with real timber. To touch, or even hug, what seems like a living tree is important for the children’s awareness with nature, even when located in a highly urban environment. The laser cut ply sheets provide an impression of the tree canopy and were developed from detailed cad drawings provided directly to the manufacturer.

Cushioned turf areas, suitable for compliance with soft fall requirements, provides open areas for running, locating mobile equipment, or even tennis games (which was one of the client’s requirements). A circuit path surrounding a sand pit controls wheeled movement activity whilst a slide and lookout deck spans over a tunnel and is accessed from a turf embankment.

The toddler space contains an embankment slide which leads to a ‘pebble creek’ lined with boulders and timber logs. This space also contains cushioned turf for flexibility of introducing equipment and activities that span the various abilities of the nursery to toddler aged children.