Donavan Primary School

Bringing Colour to the Courtyard: Donovan Primary School Upgrade

In 2024, Donovan Primary School in Invercargill reached out to TigerTurf with a clear vision: to breathe new life into their central courtyard and create a more engaging play space for their students. The existing asphalt court had served the school well over the years, but the team at Donovan wanted to enhance its appeal and usability. They were particularly keen to retain the original basketball and games line markings while introducing more colour and vibrancy to the area.

Multi Use Area for Sports and Games

TigerTurf worked closely with the school to understand their needs and proposed a solution that would not only preserve the functionality of the space but also elevate its visual and play value. The school selected TigerTurf’s Advantage surface in a striking blue, a choice that brought a fresh, energetic feel to the court. Known for its durability and versatility, Advantage is a medium-pile, sand-dressed turf designed for multi-sport use. It offers excellent traction and consistent performance in all weather conditions, making it ideal for a busy school environment.

The installation, completed in December 2024, covered an area of 396 square metres. The base was prepared using the existing asphalt, which provided a solid foundation for the new surface. The basketball court lines were reinstated, and additional custom-designed Signgrass games were added around the perimeter. These games were inspired by the original markings on the asphalt and were chosen to encourage imaginative play and movement beyond structured sports.

The colourful red and yellow four-square markings contrasted beautifully with the blue Advantage turf, creating a vibrant and inviting space. The Signgrass elements not only added visual interest but also extended the play area, giving students more opportunities to explore and interact. This thoughtful layout ensured that the court could be used for both formal games and free play, supporting a wide range of activities throughout the school day.
TigerTurf is proud to have partnered with Donovan Primary School on this project. The result is a dynamic, multi-use court that reflects the school’s commitment to student wellbeing and active learning. With the Advantage surface in place, the courtyard is now a hub of activity, offering a safe, durable, and engaging environment for students to enjoy for years to come.