Nature play area proposed for Wittunga
MITCHAM Council will investigate a nature-based playground being built at Wittunga Botanic Gardens. Only problem is, there’s no money locked in for the project.
MITCHAM Council wants a nature play area built at Wittunga Botanic Gardens.
The council agreed at a meeting last week to investigate a regional playground being built at the State Government-owned park to attract young families from across SA to the district.
However the council has not committed any funding to the project, which would cost up to $4 million, and wants the State Government to foot the bill.
The council will approach Nature Play SA, Botanic Gardens of South Australia and the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board about working together on the proposal.
The council consulted the community about whether it wanted a regional play area, preferably at CC Hood Reserve, in Panorama, or Apex Park, in Hawthorndene, in June.
More than 110 residents responded, with most rejecting the two preferred sites in favour of Wittunga because it was underutilised, easily accessible, and had toilets and parking.
Nature Play SA chief executive Sarah Sutter supported the plan because it would encourage children to spend time outdoors.
“I am so excited about this and I think nature play is crucial for a child’s development,” Ms Sutter said.
“There is nothing like it here – a big natural play space – and it will just benefit everyone.”
Botanic Gardens of South Australia acting director Janice Goodwins said she was keen to work with the council on the proposal.
Ms Goodwins would not say whether the department would consider funding the project.