Preston Street playground

Over the past three years, University staff and students have helped transform the playground at Preston Street Primary School from a largely tarmac area surrounded by a busy road to an exciting area for play and outdoor learning. Working with parents, teachers and environmental social enterprise Greenworks, they have created new places for the children to play, hide and climb.

They’ve also built a range of outdoor furniture and play equipment based on a wish list created by pupils, and added splashes of vibrant colour to the playground.

The project started as part of an annual festival of creative learning, a week-long programme of events which replaces students’ regular timetables with opportunities for them to develop new skills, prepare for employment and work in the community.

Dr Ola Uduku, project founder and Reader in Architecture, said: “We are delighted to see this project come to fruition. The enthusiasm from our students is fantastic and they really enjoy working with the community. I’m sure pupils will be thrilled at the results and we look forward to continuing our work with Preston Street – developing the playground further in the future and exploring Moray House’s research in outdoor learning.”