Alberton Primary School nature play upgrade
Design Feature
Type of project
School ground enhancement and community open space collaboration
State
South Australia
Location
Urban
Alberton Primary School is located in Queenstown, a suburb within the City of Port Adelaide Enfield that has the lowest provision of open space in the council area. Recognising this challenge, the school set out to reimagine its play space not just as a learning environment, but as a shared asset for the whole community.
The project was driven by a collaborative vision: to provide high-quality, safe, and inclusive outdoor space that enhances children’s physical and emotional development while creating a new green space for community connection. Through joint funding from the Department for Education, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, and the school, the site was upgraded with infrastructure that balances imaginative play with durable, nature-based design.
The project was driven by a collaborative vision: to provide high-quality, safe, and inclusive outdoor space that enhances children’s physical and emotional development while creating a new green space for community connection. Through joint funding from the Department for Education, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, and the school, the site was upgraded with infrastructure that balances imaginative play with durable, nature-based design.
A key condition of the partnership ensures that the space is open and accessible outside of school hours, offering a rare opportunity to increase public open space without acquiring new land. This approach demonstrates a creative response to urban
constraints and demonstrates how government–school partnerships can address local health, social and liveability outcomes.
A network of crushed rock paths improves accessibility across the site and encourages movement, exploration and informal play. These paths connect a series of landscape-led spaces and support inclusive access for people of different ages and abilities, while reinforcing a strong connection to nature.
constraints and demonstrates how government–school partnerships can address local health, social and liveability outcomes.
A network of crushed rock paths improves accessibility across the site and encourages movement, exploration and informal play. These paths connect a series of landscape-led spaces and support inclusive access for people of different ages and abilities, while reinforcing a strong connection to nature.
The upgraded grounds also function as a high-quality community facility, offering a diverse range of inclusive and engaging play opportunities. These include trampolines, climbing cubes and frames, skywalker towers, slides and swings, alongside water and sand play areas that support sensory engagement. Log and rock scramble elements and monkey bars encourage active, imaginative play and cater to a range of age groups and developmental needs.
Beyond play, the space supports social use through shaded seating, picnic areas and a large stone and lawn amphitheatre, creating opportunities for gathering, rest and community events.
Beyond play, the space supports social use through shaded seating, picnic areas and a large stone and lawn amphitheatre, creating opportunities for gathering, rest and community events.
Timeline
Construction February–July 2024
Project Team:
- Alberton Primary School
- The Environment Ministry of the school’s children’s parliament
- Department for Education (South Australia)
- City of Port Adelaide Enfield (PAE)
- Dirtwork Landscapes (design)
- LCS (construction)
Project cost:
$670,000: $350,000 contributed by the City of PAE and $320,000 funded by Alberton Primary School and the Department for Education
Health Value
The nature play design supports children’s physical activity, social development, and sensory stimulation. Inclusive elements promote active participation for children of all abilities. Shared community access extends these health benefits to local families, especially those with limited access to private gardens or safe outdoor play spaces.
Economic Value
This joint investment model delivers greater value by leveraging existing school land for community benefit. Avoiding land acquisition costs, the upgrade enhances local amenity, supports place renewal, and demonstrates efficient use of public resources through cross-sector collaboration.
Environmental Value
Natural materials, native plantings and water play features introduce biodiversity and encourage stewardship of the environment. The crushed rock path network and use of permeable surfaces support water-sensitive urban design and reduce urban heat impacts.
Social Value
The space provides a focal point for local connection, reducing social isolation and offering informal opportunities for interaction. Its inclusive design and open access policy reflect a commitment to equity and belonging across cultural and social backgrounds.
Use Value
The upgraded space is now a popular gathering place for families, caregivers and children and young people beyond school hours. The mix of active, sensory and quiet areas supports flexible use – from play and picnics to small community events – maximising everyday value for residents in a suburb with historically limited open space.
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