Nature Playground - Braithwaite Park

News Date: (22 January, 2014)

Recently the City proposed a nature playground, with a ‘water element’, to be built in the north eastern corner of Braithwaite Park, Mount Hawthorn.

What is a nature playground?

A nature playground is one that’s constructed around the philosophy of nature based elements, which include things like logs, stepping stones, cubby houses, ropes, obstacles, musical or water elements, and plants. Any combination of these elements (and more) can be used in order to create a nature playground.

What are the benefits of a nature playground?

  • Children who play regularly in natural settings are sick less often. Mud, sand, water, leaves, sticks, pine cones and gum nuts can help to stimulate children's immune system, as well as their imagination
  • Children who spend more time outside tend to be more physically active and less likely to be overweight
  • Children who play in natural settings are more resistant to stress, have lower incidence of behavioural disorders like anxiety and depression, and have a higher measure of self-worth
  • Children who play in natural settings play in more diverse, imaginative and creative ways and show improved language and collaboration skills
  • Children who play in nature have more positive feelings about each other
  • Bullying behaviour is greatly reduced where children have access to diverse nature-based play environments Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder are reduced after contact with nature.

(Courtesy of Kidsafe WA)

How can you have your say?

The City is undertaking community consultation on the proposed nature playground with a ‘water element’ during the period of 6 February 2014 – 20 February 2014.

Anyone in Vincent is welcome to provide ideas or feedback. Community consultation packs containing our proposed idea for the playground as well as the relevant documents to submit your comments are available.

You’re also welcome to attend a community forum to find out more; this will be held at the Lesser Hall in Mount Hawthorn, 13 February 2014 from 6.30pm.

If you’d like any further information or a community consultation pack, or you’d like to suggest any nature play elements that you would like to see incorporated into the playground, please do not hesitate to contact the City’s Project Officer – Parks & Environment, Jackie Parker at Jacqueline.parker@vincent.wa.gov.au or on 9273 6027.  

Thanks for helping us create more liveable neighbourhoods!

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