The area, which is designed to provide an outdoor area for the children to explore and learn how to take on challenges, has been named the winner of the Education and Care Services Category in the 2018 Kidsafe National Playspace Design Awards.

Having the school’s modern, interactive playground recognised on a national stage is something preschool director, Elizabeth Price is very proud of.

“To be acknowledged like this is really good for a small regional town,” Elizabeth said. “We were up against design leaders for this much sought after award.”

“Our playground was designed by our community, which makes it even more special.”

The awards are held every two years to recognise excellence and innovation in the provision of safe, creative play spaces across Australia. It showcases the achievements of communities working with educators, designers and the playground industry in creating amazing play environments in public spaces, schools, and education and care services.

Manager Kidsafe NSW Playground Advisory Unit, Kay Lockhart said the Gloucester project won because the judges agreed the play space provides learning areas that contribute to the development of children’s ability to think critically, hypothesize and test theories, while playing collaboratively with peers, or on their own.

“Such a beautiful play space,” the judges commented.

There was a focus on nature play, something that fits right in the pocket of what Gloucester Pre-school was trying to achieve in its new playground. The area, which was officially opened for the children in May, provides a ranges of activities where children can learn to climb, balance and take risks.

To see photos of the playspace or to find out if there is an award winning playspace near you, visit: https://kidsafe.com.au/national-playspace-design-award-winners-2018/

For more information about the Kidsafe National Playspace Design Awards contact Kay Lockhart on (02) 9845 0891 or by email at kay.lockhart@health.nsw.gov.au