The sound of laughter and fun in the playground is a sure sign that you have succeeded in creating a space that meets the needs of all the Morris Hall girls. The play equipment and imagination zone at Morris Hall needed an upgrade and, after several years of planning, consultation, and creative ideas, the Junior Years community at Morris Hall was delighted to unveil its brand-new playground in the first week of Term 1.  A vibrant, purposefully designed space that challenges and inspires our students. Following council approval, the project accelerated in early 2025, culminating in an eagerly anticipated reveal at the start of this school year. 

One consideration in the choice of equipment was to include an element of what we refer to as “risky play” – activities that require children to stretch their abilities in safe, supported ways. Research shows that elements like monkey bars not only build upper body strength and grip strength but also enhance neural development by encouraging children to cross the midline, strengthening communication between the brain’s hemispheres. By facing manageable risks in their play, children develop physical co-ordination, cognitive problem-solving and emotional strength, learning to navigate fear and understand their own capabilities. Some of the benefits of risky play for children include:

• Building confidence and resilience: Successfully navigating risks teaches children to trust themselves, manage fear and persevere through difficulties.
• Developing physical mastery: Challenging activities like climbing or swinging boost coordination, strength, balance and fine motor skills.
• Risk assessment and safety: Regular, controlled risks (e.g., high climbing) teach children how to assess their limits and avoid danger, reducing the likelihood of severe accidents.
• Cognitive and emotional growth: Solving, for example, how to navigate a tricky monkey bar or bouldering wall fosters problem-solving, while overcoming challenges helps manage anxiety and builds self-esteem.
• Independence: Pushing their own limits helps children become more self-reliant and independent.

Equally important for the playground was creating a balance between active play and imaginative play. The new space features two distinct zones. One where students can be active on the play equipment, the second where they can immerse themselves in creative, open-ended worlds. A highlight of the new design, the Imagination Zone, opens a space for creativity and expressive play. The cubby house has quickly become the ‘Morris Hall shop’, while the new kitchen inspires our budding chefs.

"Research shows that elements like monkey bars not only build upper body strength and grip strength but also enhance neural development by encouraging children to cross the midline, strengthening communication between the brain’s hemispheres."

The creation process for the new playground was a true community effort. Students had a strong voice, unsurprisingly voting enthusiastically for monkey bars and slides, while parents and staff contributed valuable perspectives. After exploring numerous design options and engaging suppliers through a formal tender process, construction began in the second half of 2025. Students watched with growing excitement as the old structures were removed, the site was levelled, and over two weeks the new equipment rose into place. 

Their reaction on day one of Term 1 this year couldn’t have been clearer: pure joy. 

Since opening, the playground has become the most popular destination during recess and lunchtime. Students have embraced the equipment with energy, enthusiasm and wonderfully inventive play. 

Watching students explore, invent, collaborate and stretch themselves has been a joy for all staff. The new Morris Hall playground is more than a play space, it is a place where confidence is built, friendships deepen and imagination thrives.