In designing a playground with attention to the developmental needs of youth, Paynter Dixon has supported the ‘Ready for life’ vision of Charlton Christian College. 

Located on 12 hectares of bushland in Lake Macquarie, the College caters to kindergarten through to Year 12.

Paynter Dixon was appointed by the College to design an outdoor student playground.

The playground seeks to activate a prominent under-utilised area of the front yard running parallel to Fassifern Road.

The designed space carefully balances active and passive play. For example, relocated play and climbing equipment serves to strengthen the upper body, while the ground plane has been manipulated to challenge balance and agility.

Of note, the simulated dry creek bed invites students to navigate a path via stepping stones, timber platforms and pontoons.

A dedicated area of seating evokes an amphitheatre environment for structured outdoor learning. Existing trees have also been retained and integrated into the playground for shade and visual amenity.

“We found Paynter Dixon really easy to work with, and responsive to our ideas and suggestions,” says Vicki Gunning, Head of Junior School for Charlton Christian College.

“Every time we met, what they brought back to us was exactly what we had talked about the time before.”

“The playground has been incredibly well received.”

Today, the joy of students at play provides a visible endorsement of the College to the surrounding community.