Construction is now complete on the first of three new nature play spaces in the ACT. The new nature play space off Longerenong Street in Farrer will provide Canberran children with exciting new opportunities to be active, grow and learn. The official opening will be marked on Sunday 20 October with a community festival.
“We all know how important quality play opportunities children’s development particularly their physical health and wellbeing and social skills,” said Minister for City Services Chris Steel.
“This new nature play space has brought together the whole Farrer community to support great opportunities for children in an unprecedented way.”
The nature play space in Farrer features timber climbing structures, a sand pit, tunnel and climbing cables and nest swing as well as a mountain bike circuit adjacent to the play space. It includes a range of different zones for children to explore, including a climb zone, a scramble zone, a hide zone, a loose parts zone and a rest zone.
Minister Steel thanked the community for their valuable input into the co-design of the play spaces and for their involvement in the ACT Government’s consultation with local schools, child care centres and youth centres.
“Local children were involved throughout the process from the very earliest concept designs for the playground and this has led to a great result.
“I would like to thank Rollo Brett and the Farrer Residents Association and Alex Piris (Fox & Bow cafe) for their advocacy, as well as Farrer’s youngest residents for shaping the design.”
The Farrer play space will be officially opened this Sunday 20 October 11am-2pm with a festival organised by the local community. The festival includes a BBQ and bake sale, musical performances, market stalls, as well as bike skills workshops.
“I encourage the community to come down and try out the new playspace and enjoy the other activities and performances on offer,” Minister Steel said.
In 2017 Minister Steel sponsored a petition in the Assembly on behalf of the Farrer community for a new playground. Then as Minister for City Services in the ACT Government provided funding for the new playground for Farrer.
