Nature Play Week 2015

Kids in Nature Network’s second Nature Play Week, held between 11th and 19th of April, 2015 was a time to celebrate the important relationship between children and nature in the best way possible – through play, discovery and learning in parks! 

People and Parks Foundation’s Active in Parks program was very proud to be a part of the festivities during two special Welcome Days organised and hosted by Parks Victoria.

Brimbank Park Welcome Day was held on Thursday 9th April, technically just outside Nature Play Week in order to ensure that kids on school holidays could also join in the fun. It was a perfect day for families to come out to the park, with over 100 kids joining in on a bunch of different activities, including orienteering (with awesome support from Orienteering Victoria), a Minibeasts Discovery tour, led by Ranger Rodolfo, the self-guided Adventure Trail, brand new to the park, as well as free range fun on the award-winning Brimbank Park playscape.

Werribee Park Welcome Day was held smack bang in the middle of Nature Play Week, on Wednesday 15th April. Over 200 kids, parents and carers came to Werribee Park to discover the delights of one of the most stunning parks in Melbourne. The newly-installed Adventure Trail was a huge hit, and drew attention to several of the oldest and most interesting trees in the park. There was sensory flora and fauna play for tiny scientists thanks to Western Melbourne Catchments Network. Wyndham City Council provided an awesome obstacle course, complete with bubbles!, then there was a treasure hunt around the park led by Ranger Helen, who also entertained the kids with a Ranger Roo Story Time session. Phew!

The best part about both days was the feedback – the majority of nature players, parents and carers who attended were amazed that these parks existed right on their doorstep. They loved learning about how much these parks have to offer people both young and old, and that they’re free!

Nature Play Week was a fantastic chance to discover new parks, or new aspects to already familiar parks.

We can’t wait for next year!

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