Andersons Bay School Staff and Governors wished to gain greater use, educational opportunity and user excitement from a large lawn area on their site. Design and Garden Landscapes were commissioned to develop a concept that included a performance stage, integrated climbing structure and opportunities for water and sand play. The Brief sought to maintain a ‘naturalistic character’.

The design response includes a cascade of concentric spaces that include a dry zone stage that adjoins the staff building, a lawn/amphitheatre, lawn sweep and lower ‘wilds’ area containing two sand pits, a concrete climbing mound and tunnel complex and ‘willow whip’.

Expansive planting has a native theme that reflects the schools three learning teams. These are ‘rata, kowhai’ and ‘totora’, and junior, mid, and senior students.

This play space is now one of the most popular school areas.