Garden reaps funding for new sensory playspace

A new playspace to delight all the senses – including the sense of adventure – is set to be built at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden.

The Garden successfully obtained a $511,942 grant for the project from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play program, which provided funding to regional communities impacted by fire and drought.

Replacing the existing sensory garden destroyed by fire, the new Forest Sensory Playspace will cover 650m2 and link to the new inspirational Naturescape display gardens under construction.

Plants to touch, smell and taste will grow alongside interactive elements in a series of restful and active zones, framed by meandering pathways. Sounds of the forest will be broadcast with the push of a button, splashing water from a seemingly dry creek bed will create intrigue, giant insects will confuse the sense of scale, and smooth and rough bark, hard and soft leaves, and the brush of grasses will contrast with colourful mosaics and rigid sculptures.

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden manager Michael Anlezark said all-inclusive playspace would add to the Garden’s evolution as a world-class attraction.

He said the Forest Sensory Playspace would have an important role in connecting people with the amazing natural world around them.

“Our new Forest Sensory Playspace is designed to delight, to challenge and most importantly to engage the senses of all who choose to take its paths, regardless of culture, age or ability,” he said.

“It will be a place of new experiences, where you are enticed to slow down and interact with your surroundings in a more meaningful way.

“We’re elated to receive this funding and can’t wait to get started bringing this dream playspace into reality for the community to enjoy.”

The Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden is on Deep Creek Dam Rd, off the Princes Highway (5km south of Batemans Bay) and is open 9am to 4pm Wed to Sun.

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