Play with Purpose - CREEC Adventure Playground

Glascott Landscape & Civil’s Award-winning CREEC Adventure Playground isn’t just a place to play, it’s a space where nature, learning and community come together...

Delivered for Moreton Bay Regional Council, the new playground transformed the Caboolture River Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) in Burpengary on Gubbi Gubbi Country into a richly layered outdoor space designed to educate, inspire and connect.

Set alongside the existing all-abilities playground, the nature-themed facility encourages children of all ages to explore and learn through play. Custom-designed elements reflect local flora and fauna, creating a tactile, inclusive and ecologically rich experience.

As Principal Contractor, LQ member Glascott Landscape & Civil managed a complex site with precision and care. The team worked closely with Council, CREEC staff, landscape architects SLR, and key suppliers including UrbanPlay and Kompan to deliver a detailed and high-performing outcome. Their role included managing demolition, extensive earthworks, bespoke water play infrastructure and the integration of custom-built play and sculptural elements within a sensitive natural environment.

The technical scope of works was extensive. It included large-scale contour mounding, detailed in-situ concrete seating and pathways, softfall rubber surfacing and installation of a wide range of custom and proprietary play equipment. A water play area was constructed using a precast concrete channel and hand pump, supported by new hydraulic and stormwater infrastructure. Additional features such as shade sails, sandstone block walls, carved totems, and feature artwork were also delivered, along with extensive soft landscaping using native species.

Construction was staged to minimise disruption to the centre’s operations and protect the surrounding ecosystem. A robust Tree Management Plan was implemented to preserve existing vegetation, while qualified fauna spotters oversaw all vegetation clearing and habitat protection. A site-specific traffic and pedestrian management plan ensured the site remained accessible and safe for staff and visitors throughout construction.

Natural textures and gradients were used throughout the playground to reinforce the site’s environmental education purpose. Mounding, softfall and sandstone features were carefully integrated to encourage exploration while preserving the integrity of the landscape.

The project was officially opened in June 2024 and has been enthusiastically embraced by the community. Designed to inspire curiosity, support inclusive play and foster connection to nature, it now stands as a long-term asset for the Burpengary region.

At the 2024 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards, the CREEC Adventure Playground took out the Commercial 4 category for projects valued between $1 million and $2 million. It then went on to receive the esteemed honour of Commercial Construction of the Year, recognising the project’s exceptional quality, attention to detail and contribution to Queensland’s public landscape.

Photo Credits: Scott Burrows