Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School

The new playground for Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School in Brunswick, features Safe Play’s first installation of metal posts engineered to replicate the look and grain of natural timber. The space includes a double slide, fire pole, multiple climbing nets and a flying fox, finished in a timber-look palette with a bright acid green accent.

The Brief and Design Response

Our Lady Help of Christians wanted a playground with the natural warmth of timber – something that felt inviting rather than industrial – but without the maintenance headaches that come with real timber over time. As an inner-city school site exposed to Melbourne’s variable weather, durability and long-term presentation were just as important as the play value itself.

We specified metal posts with a realistic timber-look finish, including a textured grain, to deliver the warmth of natural timber without its long-term vulnerabilities: no splitting, rot, or degrading from sun and rain over time. We paired the timber-look palette with a bright acid green accent to keep the space feeling fresh and energetic rather than purely natural. The play offering itself was designed for variety and challenge: a double slide, a fire pole, multiple climbing nets and a flying fox give students plenty of ways to move, climb and play across the space.

Outcome

The result is a playground that looks every bit as warm and natural as a traditional timber structure, with none of the upkeep. For a busy school environment, that means more time and budget spent on the things that matter, and less on ongoing maintenance and repairs. The bright, varied play offering has already proven a hit with students looking for climbing challenge and high-energy group play.

Design & Spec Notes

• Metal posts with realistic timber-look finish and grain texture
• Timber-look palette with acid green accent colour
• Double racing slide
• Fire pole
• Multiple climbing nets
• Flying fox
• Fully Australian-made

📍 Location: Brunswick East (Merri-bek Council)
👷 Installation: Safe Play Australia