New playground goes old school

Bunbury's St Joseph's Primary School is returning recess to its roots with the installation of a new, all-natural playground.

Gone are the brightly-coloured plastic jungle gyms and expensive shade screens, replaced by ropes, logs and old tyres built around trees to provide shelter from the sun.

“We found we had areas of the school that weren’t being used,” principal Riley Horrocks said.

“There was a need for students to be able to access play areas that provided more scope for creative play involving problem solving and collaborative decision making.

“Play is a powerful vehicle to encourage learning and provide a safe and bully free school environment.

“Playgrounds like this encourage children to be active and promote fitness and agility which helps to set the stage for a healthy lifestyle.”

The back-to-the-future playground was designed, sourced and built by school parents in conjunction with Bunbury Senior High School students who participate in the Shed Works program.

“The backing by the St Joseph’s Parents and Friends Association has been instrumental in getting the project off the ground,” Mr Horrocks said.

“I would like to thank everyone who has donated time, expertise or materials."