Could high school playgrounds do with a refresh?

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A big oval or two, maybe a basket ball ring if you’re lucky, and a lot of concrete and asphalt. That describes what a lot of high school playgrounds look like here in Australia. But what would make them a happier and more useable place for all different kinds of students, of all ages?

Daniel Smith, Chair of Learning Environments Australasia spoke with Michele Weekes (ABC) and Gweneth Leigh (Landscape architect and PhD candidate) about the importance of outdoor play grounds and learning spaces in schools and educational settings.

Daniel stated “The Research would demonstrate that if we get kids active through the course of the day, get blood flow moving through the body….the performance of kids in learning spaces will actually increase.” 

“Playgrounds are starting to become more of a focus in schools now more than ever…..we need to be more inventive with play and social spaces than what we’ve had before…..Design is becoming more of a focus in most schools. ” concluded Daniel Smith, Chair of LEA.

Image: Aldinga Payinthi College
Photographers: Brad Griffin, Sam Noonan