SSP610.12

Active Zone

Function and Location

Function:

Recess/Lunchtime activities
Formal games, sport
Informal active recreation

Location:

In Public Schools : free play area, games court, open areas.
In High Schools : games field, games court, batting practice nets, open space.

Planning

The active zone is one of the main school areas for active formal and informal recreation. It needs to provide expansive open areas for running and games as well as opportunities for shaded seating for eating, resting and observation. This zone receives very intensive use from students.

Planning Criteria and Considerations

Criteria	Considerations
Microclimate	Existing trees to be retained for shade where they will not be obstacles to active play. Consider the need for windbreaks and summer breezes.
Context	Consider views, impacts of activities on surrounding classrooms and spaces.
Biodiversity Recovery	Low potential, as most of this zone requires turf or hard pavements
Pedestrian movement	Provide generous open spaces clear of obstacles. Address desire lines of travel.
Shade	Locate shade trees in suitable locations for spectators and eating. Ensure selected or existing species do not drop branches, excess leaves or fruit.
Winter solar access	To classrooms and seating areas through setback of planting or use of deciduous trees
Furniture	Aluminum seating or Outdoor Learning Spaces may be provided (refer Schools Facilities Standards). Fencing required to High School Games Court area.
Water	Sufficient Quick Coupling Valves or hose cocks required for irrigation Ensure hose cocks do not form obstacles to pedestrian movement.
Erosion	Very high wear potential. Consider desire lines, spill out from edges of paving, excess wear under shade trees and seats.
Surface	Hardy turf species with fast recovery characteristics, able to withstand high levels of use. Pavement or soft fall for games courts.
Solar glare	Not applicable where surface is turf. Bright reflective surfaces to be avoided.
Allergenic plants	Low level due to intensive student use.
Stormwater	Allow for good drainage of this area - avoid boggy patches and low points, which collect runoff. Provide for naturally landscaped drainage treatments e.g. gravel or turf swales, retention basins. Ensure grade of free play area allows for sport activities (1:33 max).
Lighting	Refer Schools Facilities Standards.
Signage	Not required.
Maintenance	High level required due to intensive student use.