But Grant’s Braes School hopes to change that over the next decade, by transforming it into a vibrant space for learning and play that will rival some of New Zealand’s best parks.
It now consists of a grassy field and a very basic slide, swing and see-saw in the corner.
Grant’s Braes School principal Gareth Taylor said the ambitious plan was part of the school’s 75th jubilee celebrations, and the first signs of the transformation would become visible on October 17, when 75 trees were planted on the park.
Working closely with Dunedin City Council, local rūnaka, Sport Otago and the wider Waverley community, the school aimed to create a park that promoted educational and recreational outcomes, reflected the needs and aspirations of the community and supported cultural expression and ecological restoration, all while reflecting the school’s values of care, curiosity, confidence and collaboration, he said.
"We’ve been looking at this as an option for a number of years, and it’s really exciting that we’re at the point of engaging with our community.
"It’s also really exciting because it’s not only going to be a wonderful resource for our school, but for our community as well."
Mr Taylor said funding for the project was being raised by the school’s Parent Teacher Association, and would continue over the next decade until the project was completed.
Despite the amount of planning that had already been done, there were no concrete plans yet for what the finished park would look like.
A project team has been established, and on Saturday, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, the school is welcoming students, whānau, stakeholders and local residents of all ages to share ideas about what they would like to see at the park.
"Whether you’re interested in more places to ride your bike, native planting and biodiversity or new gathering spaces for the community — we want to hear from you.
"Come share your ideas and help shape the future of this important community space.
"Your input will inform the draft master plan," he said.
