Be boulder on your next play date and head to the new nature play area at Charcoal Park, Unanderra.
It is the second nature play space in the Wollongong Local Government Area and is set to be a great addition for local children and families.
It will complement the area well, which has undergone a number of changes including Charcoal Park's recently renewed playground and new amenities block at Lindsay Maynes Park . The nearby park is also home to the Illawarra Criterium Track, which is a great place to ride, scoot and skate.
Nature play encourages kids to engage with the natural environment and nurture an exploration of nature, while encouraging curiosity, creativity and emotional resilience through play.
It invites children to find their own way to play and enjoy time with their friends away from the structure of traditional play equipment. It includes landscaped play elements such as stepping logs, sandstone features, balancing logs and planting. The play space is also located amongst existing trees providing a wonderful, shaded area.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said she will never tire of the joy on kids' faces when they celebrate new play facilities and is excited to see the latest one at Unanderra.
"Our play spaces provide so much for our kids such as endless games and running around with friends, imagined stories and a fun way to be outdoors," she said.
"Nature play is a new initiative to our city, but I know our younger residents will take on the challenge with open imaginations. With a new one at Charcoal Park in Unanderra, it'll certainly be a popular spot this summer.
"This innovative play has been boosted with valuable state funding from MP Ryan Park and his office. We're grateful for their support and continued investment in our communities."
The new play space was supported by a $20,000 grant under the NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation (LSCA) funding program. The program supports small local projects to enhance community wellbeing and provide benefits to communities.
Member for Keira Ryan Park welcomes the nature play area as a perfect example of how thoughtful design can make improvements even better for communities.
"The new nature play area at Charcoal Park is a fantastic addition for Unanderra families, offering kids the chance to explore, create, and connect with nature in a safe, shaded space," Mr Park said.
"By investing $20,000 into this project, the NSW Government is helping to nurture curiosity, creativity, and resilience in our youngest residents while giving families a vibrant space to enjoy together."
The first nature play opened up at Stanwell Park Playground in Stanwell Park earlier this year.
