Reviving play: How Wearthy's playground transformed children's activity levels
Flinders View, Ipswich, Queensland
Australian children spend only 30 minutes daily in outdoor activities during school hours, a phenomenon termed "nature deficit." This decline correlates with increased developmental vulnerabilities, both physical and mental.
Wearthy partnered with Winston Glades Early Education Centre in Flinders View, Ipswich to measure the impact of their playground on children's physical activity and development.
QCCS Winston Glades' Director, Lisa Harris, shares her experience with the playground transformation
We measured children's step counts for two weeks before and two weeks after the playground installation. The results speak for themselves.
The playground incorporated nature-integrated design philosophy with elements that encourage exploration, physical activity, and deep connection with the natural world.
Quiet spaces designed for contemplation, sensory exploration, and self-regulation, providing children with opportunities to reset and recharge.
Interactive water features that encourage experimentation, scientific thinking, and joyful play experiences that resonate throughout the centre.
Hands-on gardening experiences that teach children about food systems, responsibility, patience, and connection to the earth.
Seamless blending of natural and built elements that create diverse play opportunities and foster authentic connections with nature.
"If we were to close our eyes and just listen, we could hear the laughs and excitement of children's voices echoing through the air. Particularly near the water features, the squeals of excitement as they challenge the direction of the water and how it falls on them, that's when we hear their joy and energy."Lisa Harris Centre Director, QCCS Winston Glades
"We have noticed a big change in the atmosphere and sounds of children's play. There are different areas that bring different play styles and there's a flow through the environment."Educator QCCS Winston Glades
While the statistics demonstrate measurable improvements in physical activity, the true impact extends far beyond step counts. The playground has fundamentally transformed how children engage with their outdoor environment.
Children now choose outdoor play more frequently and for longer durations, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for nature-based activities.
Children demonstrate deeper awareness of natural cycles, seasonal changes, and ecological relationships through daily interaction with the space.
Observable growth in resilience, compassion, confidence, and collaborative problem-solving through child-centred learning experiences.
Wearthy aims to provide children with spaces for self-discovery and play, creating a generation of compassionate, resilient future leaders equipped with the necessary skills and values to flourish.
The Winston Glades transformation demonstrates what's possible when we prioritise nature-based design and create environments that honour children's innate connection to the natural world.
Book a discovery call to explore how we can design a bespoke play environment that serves your community's unique needs.
