Designing the school courtyard in the Bay of Plenty was one of those special projects that really brought out the inner child in me. It was open-ended, playful, and full of potential - the kind of work that reminds you how creative landscape design can be, especially when it’s for tamariki.

The existing space was tired and underused, so the focus was on creating something vibrant, inviting and full of energy. One of the most effective ways we brought this to life was through colourful 'Pour and Play' surfacing - a recycled rubber material that’s not only soft and safe but adds a real sense of joy to the space. The bold colours lifted the entire courtyard and gave it a playful identity, instantly making it more welcoming for kids and teachers alike.

We incorporated play mounds throughout the space - soft, climbable hills that add movement and variation to the ground plane. It’s amazing how much fun kids can have with something as simple as a mound. They’re great for running, rolling, climbing, and imagining. These undulating forms also help break up the flatness of traditional courtyard spaces, making the whole area feel more dynamic.

One of my favourite additions was a new slide, accessed not by a typical ladder, but by timber rounds at differing heights. This creates a fun challenge, encouraging balance and coordination. It’s always interesting to see how kids use these elements - often in ways we don’t expect - and that’s the beauty of open-ended play.

We also designed a boardwalk with a rope fence winding through part of the space, which adds texture, a sense of journey, and a bit of adventure.

Bringing in new materials and forms like this opens the door to creativity - not just for the kids, but for us as designers too. It’s a joy to watch these spaces come to life in ways we never fully anticipate. That’s the magic of designing for young minds.