Construction begins on Wittunga Botanic Garden nature playground in Blackwood

Construction has begun on a long-awaited nature playground in Blackwood as the vision for the $750,000 project is revealed. See the plans.

Concept plans for a new nature play space at the Wittunga Botanic Gardens. Picture: State Government

Construction on a long-awaited new nature playground at Wittunga Botanic Garden began this week.

The Blackwood gardens received $750,000 in Federal Government funding to upgrade gardens and build the playground.

Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium director Lucy Sutherland said Aboriginal Kaurna culture

would also be celebrated in the playground which will be wheelchair accessible.

“A native reed-filled, dry billabong area will be created and a wodli – or house – will provide the opportunity for loose play construction,” Dr Sutherland said.

“An in-ground wheelchair trampoline will delight children with accessibility needs and adults can have some fun on a super-sized park bench too.”

A giant bench seat is just one piece of equipment proposed for the new nature play space at the Wittunga Botanic Gardens. Picture: State Government

Blackwood Primary School students helped design the new playground which will feature flora and fauna inspired educational play.

State Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said it was important for child to develop a connection to nature through play at spaces such as this.

“It will be a place where children’s wellbeing is nurtured due to the physical benefits of exercise, along with the mental lift people of all ages receive when in beautiful botanical surroundings,” he said.

Flora and fauna inspired play equipment at the new nature play space at the Wittunga Botanic Gardens. Picture: State Government

Mitcham Council unsuccessfully applied for $3 million from the Federal Government in 2016 to develop the play space.

But a $750,000 cash injection in March, 2019 in the lead up to the Federal Election allowed the proposal to go ahead.

The project was funded through the $649 million Adelaide City Deal in partnership with Federal and State Governments and the City of Adelaide.

Federal member for Boothby Nicolle Flint said the space would be inclusive for all local families.

“Wittunga is so well loved by our local community and this new space will mean even more families can benefit from the beautiful and historic gardens,” she said.

The playground is due for completion in March.