NATURE MEETS PLAY: INSIDE CREEC'S NEW EDUCATIONAL PLAYSPACE
28 Aug 2024
Urban Play has reimagined outdoor play with their innovative new playspace, perfectly blending adventure and learning in nature.
The Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) is a cherished community gem where families come to explore and learn about local flora and fauna. The introduction of a new playspace extends this educational journey outdoors, encouraging children to learn through play, and enhancing CREEC’s appeal as a family destination.
Located adjacent to the existing all-abilities playground, the new playspace seamlessly blends nature with play. Moving beyond traditional ‘sticks and stones’ nature play, the design immerses children in the beauty of nature, while simultaneously developing their physical, social, creative and cognitive growth as they engage in self-led play. Hand-selected play pieces are thoughtfully positioned to encourage an open-ended play journey, sparking children’s imaginations to create their own adventures in a safe and explorative setting. 
Meandering pathways and elevated landscapes form distinctive focal points and play nodes suitable for different ages and play styles. As children enter the playspace, their attention is immediately drawn to the Macadamia Nut play piece atop the playable mound. They can reach the summit via multiple routes, each offering a different level of challenge, such as sandstone steps, an agility net, or a rock-climbing path. Reaching the top offers rewarding panoramic views over the playground and a fun slide descent. 
Designed to be a multigenerational destination, the playspace includes an agility course, trampolines, slides, swings, water play, and sand play areas. It caters to those who thrive in the hustle and bustle of active play as well as those who prefer quieter, passive play. Intricately carved storytelling poles adorned with motifs of local butterflies and macadamia nuts celebrate the region’s rich biodiversity, echoing CREEC’s educational themes and inviting further exploration inside. 
The City of Moreton Bay, Urban Play, SLR Consulting, and Glascott Landscapes collaborated to bring this project to life. The result is a timeless playspace, where engaging play elements and natural beauty combine to educate and inspire for generations to come. 
Project Partners The City of Moreton Bay, SLR Consulting, Urban Play and Glascott Landscapes
Play Equipment KOMPAN
Photography Scott Burrows Photography
