Melbourne’s Nature Play was named best playground of 2016 by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. Built on the site of the former Nurses’ station around the corner from the Royal Childrens’ hospital, the playground’s design reflects the seven seasons described by the Wurundjeri people, traditional owners of the area. Each zone includes a design element or native indicator of these seasons like the silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) which blooms when transitioning from the wombat season (winter) to the orchid season (spring). The playground features sand and water play, rocky inclines, swings and slides nestled amongst thousands of new plantings overlooked by an enormous hill giving expansive views of the grounds and city beyond.

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Length: 6m : 08s

Centennial Parklands is a collection of three adjoining major urban parks in Sydney, NSW.  It is also home to Bush School, a hands on 5 week experiential learning program for pre-schoolers. The blog tag follows the nature play happenings around the park lands, inclusive practices, inspiration for families and educators to get outdoors for Wild Play.

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This blog offers support, connection and guidance to help get families outside with their baby as soon as they feel ready. Geared to parents with children from birth to school age with the aim of raising a new generation of children to love the outdoors. Highly commended blog which started in July of 2013, when Founder Shanti Hodges asked her new born parent group to meet up in a park. In the first months these were casual hikes among friends. As the number of families participating grew, it became apparent that the desire to get outside was much more than Shanti expected. Through the help of an ever-increasing group of volunteers, Hike it Baby grew from a small parent group to a large community of families. In 2016 Hike it Baby filed for non-profit status.

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