The impressive playground of Hong Kong International School Upper Primary School is an exciting space that unites traditional culture with abundant play value. Taking inspiration from everyday street scenes of Hong Kong, the playground is filled with elements of Hong Kong culture.
The striking bright red 6.3 meters tall climbing equipment is inspired by Chinese Lanterns and is an excellent physical challenge for children. The Lantern contains ropes, nets, hammocks, and a suspension bridge which helps the development of children’s arms and leg muscles, and tests their cross-body coordination and balance.
Situated next to the Lantern is another climbing equipment resembling the famous Bun Scrambling Competition, one of the most representative traditional festivities in Hong Kong. Students can race against each other to reach the bell on top of the tower for some healthy competition, and at the same time train their muscle and motor skills.
Furthermore, there is a vertical Scaffolding Climber that allows children to access the eight floor, in which a circular Bamboo Climber provides students with additional ropes and pillars to climb on, as well as a thrilling slide adjoining the climbers. Bamboo has a long cultural history in Hong Kong and this city is one of the last places on earth to use bamboo when building skyscrapers.
No playground is complete without a slide. The spiral Serpent Slide is a two-story-high thrilling slide and is a great way to train spatial awareness and sense of balance, as well as to practice turn-taking.
Across the playground is the “Pachinko” wall, a game that originated in Japan that was once popular in Hong Kong. This ball wall creates a space for students to socialize and practice turn-taking when deciding who gets to throw the ball next. This also helps develop hand-eye coordination, greater motor skills, and help students gain confidence as they challenge themselves with hoops and goals of different height.
