A brand new playground astroturf for Ruakaka School
How Ruakaka School created a safe, vibrant, and future-proof play space
Playgrounds are more than just places for children to run, climb, and laugh – they’re spaces where young people develop social skills, test their limits, and spark their imaginations.
Today though, designing a playground also means ensuring it’s safe, durable, and kind to the planet. At Ruakaka School, a recent transformation delivered fresh equipment, smart surfacing, and sustainable materials that will serve the community for years to come.
Built for the Future
At the heart of the installation is Teamturf’s ProPlay® safety pad, made from recycled foam sourced from the automotive, packaging, and sports industries. Instead of ending up in landfill, this raw material is repurposed into a long-lasting shock pad that meets critical fall height standards. Along with its sustainable focus, its other biggest strength is longevity – even after years of use, it retains its performance. So when the turf surface eventually needs replacing, the pad can often stay in place – reducing waste, saving money, and minimising disruption.
Creativity and Customisation
Layered over the ProPlay® pad, Teamturf’s COOLplay® playground astroturf was chosen for its comfort, colour range, and COOLplus® technology. To inject fun and school spirit, the design integrated coloured turf circles in the school’s house colours. These distinctive zones not only brighten the space but also act as visual markers for games, competitions, and imaginative play. too: any one circle can be replaced quickly and cost- effectively if wear occurs over time. This creativity ensures the playground remains vibrant, safe, and easy to maintain. ProPlay® pad delivers long-term safety and peace of mind. Placed in high-use areas, the circles offer a practical advantage too : any one circle can be replaced quickly and cost- effectively if wear occurs over time. This creativity ensures the playground remains vibrant, safe, and easy to maintain.
A Play Space That Lasts
The finished playground combines some much loved existing equipment along with some exciting new structures and a safe, soft, and sustainable surface. Teamturf’s COOLplay® playground astroturf adds visual impact and all-weather usability, while the ProPlay® pad delivers long-term safety and peace of mind.
This project proves that sustainable playgrounds aren’t just possible – they’re practical, creative, and community- focused. By making smart choices today, Ruakaka School has created a vibrant, fun, and safe play space that will serve generations to come.
