Wonderful idea for our younger people to enjoy and explore our lovely gardens, such a delightful space.
Completed
Nature based play space at Warrnambool Botanic Gardens
An engaging nature-based play space to link children to environment.
COMPLETED PROJECT
Project details
Suggested by: Janet
Project partner: Friends of Warrnambool Botanic Gardens Inc
Region
Great South Coast
Budget
Votes
347 votes received
Spread the word
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A unique and creative play space will be established for all ages using natural and recycled materials which sit comfortably in the heritage listed gardens. A large cypress stump and the remains of a historic tree will be incorporated into the design, becoming play pieces. Elements which encourage climbing, jumping, balancing and squeezing will be included, such as logs, rocks, ropes and old bridge timbers. These elements will encourage both active and creative play, providing spaces for adventure, escape and connection to nature. Careful selection of appropriate plantings will further connect children to nature.
The WBGs are valued by children and families, with high visitation throughout the year for a range of unique play opportunities including the iconic Moreton Bay Fig tree roots (pictured), feeding the ducks and climbing on the cannon. Community members have expressed interest in more opportunities for creative and active play in the WBG with a recommendation to 'design and develop sensory and nature play areas' listed in the WBG Master Plan (2017). The heritage listed WBG is situated in a residential area adjacent to two large primary schools, one secondary school. Both will have opportunities to contribute to design.
COMPLETED PROJECT
Project details
Suggested by: Janet
Project partner: Friends of Warrnambool Botanic Gardens Inc
Region
Great South Coast
Budget
Votes
347 votes received
Spread the word
Before participating in Pick My Project please log in or register to YourSAy.
Comments
Comments closed
Like
(1)
What a fantastic idea to inject new life into our beautiful gardens through engaging young people (and the young at heart) in nature based play. Our children need to explore, build, try, fail, get dirty and even a bit hurt sometimes to build their grit and resilience. The opportunity to enjoy nature and be creative works towards building happy. little people.
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(1)
Fantastic idea. Research is telling us that our children (and adults) benefit greatly from being actively engaged in nature. It benefits mental health and well being as well as physical health. If the play area offers opportunities for children to be imaginative, take considered risks, care for the natural environment then we will be providing a wonderful learning opportunity for them ...... perhaps a cafe nearby to encourage parents and grandparents to bring the kids.
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(1)
A fabulous, unique and much loved icon.
Like
(1)
I am excited for this project to engage young children in the gardens
Like
(1)
For many years there has been a public request from the Warrnambool public to add another play space within the gardens. This project will add not only play but learning through sensory planting and education through plant labeling and understanding, a complimentary brochure will be created to be distributed to nearby schools and schools requesting tours. This garden space will have something for everyone and we are excited to see it come to fruition.
Like
(4)
stuart1962@bigpond.com
30 Aug 2018
Great to get kids engaged in this already rich and appealing resource in the middle of Warrnambool - I'd support any such project seeking to lure children to explore, touch, smell, enjoy and learn from 'scratching and sniffing' nature, up close - away from 'screen time', gadgets and (hopefully) adult supervision. Do it.