Oral Presentation IPWEA International Public Works Conference 2025

Randwick City Council’s Outdoor Living Classrooms initiative is a transformative project that integrates education, sustainability, and public open space to create dynamic outdoor learning environments for children and the community. Developed in collaboration with local schools, environmental groups, and landscape designers, these interactive spaces encourage hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

This presentation will explore how Randwick City Council has successfully reimagined underutilised open spaces into immersive outdoor classrooms, designed to foster curiosity and connection with nature. Each site has been carefully planned to support a range of educational activities, incorporating nature play elements, Indigenous knowledge sharing, sustainable water management, and biodiversity conservation.

Key discussion points will include:

• Design and Planning: Integrating play-based learning with sustainable infrastructure.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with educators, students, and local stakeholders.
• Environmental Benefits: Enhancing green spaces, improving biodiversity, and supporting climate resilience.
• Program Delivery: Developing interactive learning modules aligned with school curricula.
• Lessons Learned: Challenges, successes, and strategies for broader implementation.

By providing accessible, nature-based educational experiences, Randwick’s Outdoor Living Classrooms empower young minds to play, learn, explore, and preserve their environment. This initiative serves as a model for other local governments looking to blend public works, education, and sustainability to create meaningful community assets.

Join us at IPWEA 2025 to discover how collaborative planning and innovative design can shape the future of outdoor learning spaces in urban environments