New trees are perfect finish for new St Finbarrs’ playground

Published on 17 September 2020

The redevelopment of Arakwal Court not only improved safety and parking for the students, parents and teachers of Byron Bay High School and St Finbarrs but it’s also the icing on the cake for a new playground.for the primary school.

Council staff, working alongside students from kindergarten to year six and their parents and teachers have planted 20 new advanced trees to finish off a new playground and screen the school from nearby neighbours.

The trees are local, salt tolerant species,that will provide a home for native birds and animals.

Principal of St Finbarrs’ Primary School, Tim Bleakley, said the trees are a perfect addition to the new playground that is designed to get students outside in the fresh air and to stimulate their imaginations.

“The students are building things out of old timber pallets, bamboo and netting and they’re having a ball making cubbies and hideouts as well as learning about teamwork and collaboration,” Mr Bleakley said.

“When COVID-19 arrived we took the opportunity of clearing an overgrown, unused part of the school and turning it into a playground and the results are terrific,” he said.

Dave Filipczyk, Supervisor of Council’s Bush Regeneration team, said when Council removed trees to make way for the nearby Arakwal Court upgrade, there needed to be new trees planted to make up for the loss so the school was a perfect location.

“It was great for our team to work alongside the students and their parents and I know the trees will bring a lot of pleasure in future years, providing beautiful shade as well as a place to see some of our precious native birds,” Mr Filipczyk said.

The playground has been given the seal of approval by a pair of endangered Bush Stone Curlews.

The rehabilitated area it turns out, is the perfect environment with short grass and tree cover and the security of the tall school fence keeping predators away.

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