Outdoor Learning boost at Emmaus College
Emmaus College, North Rockhampton is set to elevate its outdoor learning experience with the near completion of a major oval upgrade at its Yaamba Road campus.
The project, which includes new tiered seating and improved storage facilities, is designed to provide students with a more comfortable and functional outdoor environment for both learning and recreation. For many former students, the oval mound holds fond memories, but the new development promises a modern, all-weather seating solution that will better serve current and future cohorts.
Head of Faculty -Physical Education, Nikki Parkin, said the upgrade would significantly enhance the delivery of practical lessons.
“Getting outdoors for our practical lessons is a vital part of delivering high-quality outcomes for our students, and this facility will provide a great opportunity for the whole college as an outdoor teaching and learning space,” Ms Parkin said.
Construction began late in Term 1 and is expected to be completed within days, marking a timely addition ahead of increased student use in the coming weeks.
College Principal Marie Martin said the development plays a key role in the school’s long-term infrastructure strategy.
“This project re-establishes much-needed storage facilities for our Physical Education and Sport departments that were impacted by the oval laneway and car parking works completed in 2023,” Mrs Martin said.
“This upgrade will further enhance the already exceptional facilities at Emmaus College.”
The project forms part of the College’s broader Strategic Capital Development Plan, which outlines continued investment in teaching and learning infrastructure.
“This has been a great project to reignite the College community’s appetite for larger capital developments,” Mrs Martin said. “Watch this space – there are big things to come for facilities at Emmaus College.”
In addition to the new seating and storage, the College has recently completed an upgrade to oval lighting, installing energy-efficient LED systems. The new lighting delivers improved illumination levels, reduces operating costs and enhances reliability, while minimising light spill beyond the grounds.
Emmaus College Sports Development Officer Joe McGahan said the improvements would benefit not only curriculum activities but also extracurricular sport and community use.
Construction, led by local contractor BT Builders, is nearing completion, with final fittings and fixtures to be installed shortly. The College has praised the company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality result.
Students are expected to begin using the upgraded facilities from Week 8, while the broader community will also be able to enjoy the new shaded, tiered seating during sporting events and College functions.
The development marks another step forward in strengthening Emmaus College’s reputation for providing quality learning environments that extend beyond the classroom.
Photo:
Surveying new tiered seating on the sporting oval at Emmaus College, Rockhampton are (centre) College Principal, Marie Martin, (far left) College Infrastructure and Capital Manager, Jared Thomsen, (far right) BT Builders Carpenter, Ethan Rose and Physical Education students Colte, Mia, Amelia and Cade.