In Schiedam (NL) the schools De Violier and De Vlinder are located opposite each other. Each with its own identity and its own board. Both schools wanted to renovate and also give the existing, bare schoolyard a natural and water-rich appearance, a so-called “green-blue schoolyard”.
Iron fence removed
It was decided to remove the iron fence between the two schoolyards to create a single large playground for all schoolchildren. This new shared playground opened in 2022.
Tiles out; green in
Numerous facilities with lots of greenery can now be found on the new schoolyard, such as water storage, vegetable garden boxes, a play kitchen and many playground items from BOERplay’s Adventure Play and Adventure Play Explore product lines. No fewer than 1100 m2 of tiles were removed; a large part of those tiles has been reused as seats or fencing for the sandpit.
Blue-green schoolyard
Not only a lot of new green, but also smart solutions for water storage have been incorporated into the schoolyard. An important new part is the water stream. Rainwater of the square and the roofs of both schools are temporarily collected here. A sand- & water play item provides the necessary water fun. Decks have been installed so one can always walk and play on the water area.
In collaboration with the pupils
The pupils were also involved in the initial stages of the new schoolyard design. The children modelled and designed their ideal schoolyard including a football field, a sandbox, bridges, and space using different materials for water and greenery.
Taking into account all types of children
With the team of various stakeholders, including the ideas of the children, the design of BOERplay was chosen to be implemented. Amongst other things, the schoolyard was screened for the possibilities for various play types (energizers, structure seekers, builders and observers), for sight lines and walking lines. A video was made to show the entire project, which can be found here. Children from both schools now play together on one central playground and enjoy the greenery, sports, games and the water. There is so much to do and experience that there is no time for boredom!
Are you also looking for an exciting and challenging interpretation for your (green-blue) schoolyard? Please contact us for the possibilities for your project in the field of schoolyard design
Location: Schiedam
Client: KB De Butterfly and OBS De Violier
Design: BOERplay
Execution: BOERplay, in collaboration with Kees de Bruin B.V.
Period: August 2021 – March 2022