While playgrounds are usually for lunch and recess fun, the new sensory garden and play area at St Anthony's Primary School in Wanniassa is much more.
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Principal Greg Walker has called it "an oasis in the middle of our school to foster the learning and development of all students".
It includes a large sandpit surrounded by rocks, a timber deck, moving equipment that rocks, rolls, or spins, voice tubes that run underground, tunnels, grass areas, as well as herb, vegetable and fruit gardens.
Each zone tailors to students' needs, stimulates one of the five senses, and will become part of the learning program for all year groups.
Mr Walker explained how sensory experiences can calm children by helping them work through anxiety and frustration.
"For many children, learning can be difficult, but if they are working with materials that require pressure, manipulation and movement, this can help children release physical energy and tension," he said.
"Sensory play also helps develop children's thinking, and has been described as food for children's brains. It stimulates the senses and sends signals through their brains to strengthen their pathways."
He also hopes the garden's exploration of numbers, space and shapes will support kids with maths, science and imaginative play.
The idea for a play area that could be incorporated into class time began two years ago, and for the past year parents and teachers have worked to bring it to fruition. They helped combine plans from landscapers with drawings from the students, then planted plants, chose colour schemes and advised on equipment.
A third of the area's funding came from ACT government disability grants via the Catholic Education Office, and the school community also raised thousands of dollars through theatre nights, fetes and other activities. An Indigenous art show run with the Yuendumu community raked in about $18,000.
Mr Walker said this type of educational and play space was common in preschools and early learning centres but not in primary schools.
"So we tried to create something in our school which is a little bit different to a normal playground," he said.
"It's one of the most positive projects I've ever been involved in and will really benefit the children."
