Unreal Lawns completed this specialist project at Te Kōhanga Reo o Reremoana Ruruhira in Napier, transforming an existing asphalt outdoor area into an artificial grass play and learning space.
The project was prompted by Ministry of Education licensing requirements. According to the Kōhanga Reo, the existing asphalt was considered an unsafe surface for mokopuna to play, learn and explore on.
The Kōhanga Reo needed an alternative that was safe, compliant with its licensing requirements, low-maintenance and practical for everyday use.
By installing SafeBase beneath two different artificial grass textures, Unreal Lawns helped create an outdoor environment designed to support different activities and learning experiences.
From Asphalt to Artificial Grass
Before installation, much of the outdoor area consisted of asphalt.
For Te Kōhanga Reo o Reremoana Ruruhira, replacing this surface was more than a cosmetic improvement. The existing asphalt needed to be addressed as part of the Ministry of Education licensing process.
The Kōhanga Reo wanted an outdoor space where mokopuna could confidently explore, play and participate in different learning experiences without the risks associated with the original hard surface.
Rather than simply covering the asphalt with artificial grass, the project incorporated the SafeBase system beneath the turf.
This approach transformed the existing hard surface into a softer outdoor environment while retaining the surrounding play equipment and established layout.
Installing SafeBase Over the Prepared Area
A key part of this project was what would eventually be hidden beneath the finished artificial grass.
The SafeBase system was installed across the prepared area before the artificial grass was laid.
The interlocking sections create a continuous layer beneath the turf and form part of the complete playground surfacing system.
Building the Complete Artificial Grass System
Once the SafeBase was in place, installation of the artificial grass could progress across the outdoor area.
An important feature of this project was the use of two different artificial grass textures.
These were selected to complement the different activities and learning experiences provided for mokopuna at the Kōhanga Reo.
The installation photographs show the artificial grass alongside the exposed SafeBase before the entire system was completed.
Transforming the Outdoor Environment
The completed installation dramatically changed the appearance and feel of the outdoor space while retaining the existing play equipment and surrounding environment.
Instead of the predominantly hard asphalt surface shown in the before photographs, the finished area now features artificial grass throughout the outdoor play space.
The change has also been noticed by the Kōhanga Reo community.
Harlem-Cruz Ihaia from Te Kōhanga Reo o Reremoana Ruruhira shared that whānau and visitors have complimented the appearance of the completed area, particularly how soft the new surface feels.
The two different turf textures have also become a valuable feature, complementing the different activities and learning experiences offered to mokopuna.
What Te Kōhanga Reo o Reremoana Ruruhira Says
Following completion, Harlem-Cruz Ihaia shared the Kōhanga Reo’s experience of the new outdoor area:
“Since having the SafeBase and artificial turf installed, we’ve received so many compliments from whānau and visitors about how beautiful the area looks, but especially how soft the surface feels!”
Harlem also explained the wider importance of the project:
“For us, it wasn’t just about meeting licensing requirements. It was about creating a safe, welcoming and functional outdoor space that our mokopuna can enjoy every day.”
Harlem-Cruz Ihaia
Te Kōhanga Reo o Reremoana Ruruhira, Napier
Artificial Grass for Early Learning Environments
Projects for kōhanga reo, childcare centres and other early learning environments need to be considered as complete surfacing systems rather than simply selecting artificial grass.
The existing surface, site preparation, intended use, safety requirements and the system installed beneath the turf all influence how a project should be approached.
At Te Kōhanga Reo o Reremoana Ruruhira, the original asphalt surface presented a challenge that needed to be addressed as part of the Kōhanga Reo’s licensing requirements.
The combination of SafeBase and artificial grass provided a practical alternative that has transformed how the outdoor environment looks and feels.
The project also demonstrates how different artificial grass textures can be incorporated to support a variety of play and learning activities.
For more information about the systems we install for early learning environments, see our Artificial Grass for Childcare Centres and Childcare Playground Surfacing guides.
A Specialist Artificial Grass Project in Napier
This Napier project demonstrates Unreal Lawns’ ability to undertake specialist artificial grass and SafeBase installations outside our main service areas.
Our team travelled to Napier, Hawke’s Bay to complete the SafeBase and artificial grass installation on site.
For projects outside our main service areas, we assess the requirements and scope of the project to determine the most appropriate way to deliver the installation.
About This Project
Project: Te Kōhanga Reo o Reremoana Ruruhira
Location: Napier, Hawke’s Bay
Existing surface: Asphalt
Reason for project: Ministry of Education licensing requirements and the need for a safer outdoor learning environment
New surfacing: SafeBase and two artificial grass textures
Installed by: Unreal Lawns
Planning an Early Learning Artificial Grass Project?
Unreal Lawns works with early learning centres, kōhanga reo, schools and other organisations to provide artificial grass systems suited to the requirements of individual sites.
Whether the project involves an existing hard surface, bark, natural grass or a new playground development, we can assess the site and recommend an appropriate installation system.
