Ashfield Public School

Playground Design and Construction
Aboriginal Bush Tucker Garden and Playground, Stages I, II & III

Located only metres from the heavy traffic on Liverpool Road, this naturalistic expanse of playground had many design challenges. Furthermore, with children from over 50 ethnic backgrounds attending the school, strong consideration was given to the cultural diversity of the school community during the playground design planning stage.

ULP designed and built a natural playground that celebrated the diversity of the school community, whilst providing a bush tucker garden developed in consultation with John Lennis, Aboriginal Education Officer with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.

Complementing this overriding theme were numerous play elements: some Fixed Play Equipment; Sound Barriers; a Sandpit; Custom Designed Artistic Features; Musical Sculpture; Digging Patches; Discovery Elements; a World Map; new School Signage; Seating; Screening; Murals and Native Planting.

A “traditional smoking ceremony” conducted by aboriginal elder “Uncle Max” was a highlight of the Opening Day.