Outdoor play at YMCA Derrimut's Early Learning Centre (ELC) just got an exciting upgrade with the long-awaited completion of its new nature-inspired playground.
The Centre successfully utilised a $490,010 grant from the Victorian Government's Building Blocks Improvement Grant program, transforming the typical playground into an innovative outdoor play area.
The revamped area will cater to all age groups, ensuring their safety and encouraging enriching learning experiences. The designers at Jeavons Landscape Architects thoughtfully designed each section to conform to children's developmental stages and ages, making the outdoor play area more engaging.
The new design includes sandpits, water play areas, climbing structures, vegetable gardens, and artistic spaces, seamlessly blending with the natural environment to promote creative play.
Carolyn Morris, Y Victoria CEO, welcomed the project's completion.
A well-designed environment invites children to invent, build, explore, and thrive. This new playground will act as the third teacher, stimulating children's curiosity. Carolyn Morris, Y Victoria CEO
A vital part of the renovated design is the ‘Yarning Circle’.
This area encourages respectful dialogue, celebrates cultural diversity and allows children to learn about Aboriginal culture. Centre Manager Kranthi Kummara
A strong emphasis on environmental sustainability is also evident. Shade trees, rainwater tanks, sustainable materials and a variety of plant life aims to instil respect for and a connection to the environment in children from an early age.
"Helping children establish a meaningful relationship with nature in their early years plays a vital role in their cognitive and emotional development," added Kranthi.
For further information about the project works you can visit the dedicated project page on the VSBA website.
For more info about Building Blocks Grants you can contact the VSBA by phone 1800 896 950, or email building.blocks@education.vic.gov.au.
