Dandenong Day Nursery Centre
For this long-standing, council-run centre, Great Spaces helped the nursery unlock Government Building Blocks funding to deliver a nature-based play environment that supports learning, sustainability, and hands-on exploration.
Brief
Dandenong Day Nursery is an established centre approaching 40 years of operation. The outdoor spaces required renewal to better reflect contemporary early learning practices. The project was delivered through a government funding program, with Great Spaces supporting both the application process and the refinement of the design. The brief was to create a natural, engaging play environment that incorporated sensory play, education, and sustainability, while meeting grant criteria and budget milestones.
Design
The design focused on natural play and educational outcomes:
- Nature play environment: Extensive use of rocks, timber, and natural materials to create an organic, exploratory setting.
- Water & sensory play: Integrated water play, sandpits, and mud zones to encourage tactile and imaginative play.
- Movement & challenge: A bike track with bridge elements supports coordination, balance, and physical development.
- Productive gardens: Vegetable and herb planting areas teach children where food comes from and connect play with learning.
- Shaded environments: Large shade sails improve comfort and usability throughout the year.
Construction
Working within a staged government funding model, construction was delivered in line with milestone payments and compliance requirements. Our team refined elements of the original design to ensure practical, buildable outcomes while maintaining the centre’s vision.
Natural materials were carefully selected and installed to create a cohesive environment, with rock placements, garden beds, and play zones integrated across the site. Water play systems, bike track elements, and planting zones were constructed to balance durability with a natural aesthetic.
The result is a highly engaging outdoor space that reflects both the centre’s long-standing community presence and its future focus. The project continues to evolve, with additional upgrades delivered as further funding becomes available.
