Bridgewater community bands together for relaunch of regenerated bushland block and street library
A new street library and reopened bushland park will give kids plenty to smile about during a community celebration in Bridgewater this Sunday.
Adelaide Hills
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Some of Bridgewater’s youngest residents will help shake off 2020s COVID-19 gloom with a community celebration to mark the relaunch of a regenerated bushland block and the opening of a new street library.
The event from 11am to 3pm on Sunday will see the Bridgewater Kindergarten class of 2020 join Peramangk/Kaurna elder Uncle Ivan Tiwi-Copley in hosting a smoking ceremony to mark the bushland’s new name, Paintyi-illa Ngangkiparri.
Meaning ‘by the Onkaparinga’, the name Paintyi-illa Ngangkiparri was suggested earlier this year by Uncle Ivan himself.
Since that time, the bushland has undergone a transformation, supported by grants from Inspiring SA and Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management and plenty of elbow grease from a committed group of educators and parents.
Kindy Director Glenda Henderson said Bridgewater Kindergarten has always had strong focus on outdoor learning.
“We want children to experience stimulating outdoor environments, no matter the weather or the students’ individual needs,” she said.
“We’ve strived to develop places for quiet and energetic activities, places for individuals or small and large groups, and places where students can be involved in hands-on learning.
“Paintyi-illa Ngangkiparri gives us another space to do all of this, and with the inclusion of the Street Library the bushland now has a community aspect to it.”
Ms Henderson said the new street library – to be positioned at 87 Onkparinga Road, Bridgewater – had also been given a Peramangk/Kaurna name - Taikkurringka pirrku, meaning ‘shared stories’.
“The bushland and street library opening celebrations will this year take the place of the kindy’s annual fundraising activities, with the Bridgewater Kindergarten Governing Council and staff choosing instead to focus on families in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
“The celebration will also include nature play activities such as mud painting, weaving and cubby house building.”
A food truck will be on site for catering.
Both the bushland park and street library re located adjacent the kindy at 87 Onkparinga Road, Bridgewater.