Nature Play QLD's mission is to increase the time Queensland kids spend in unstructured play outdoors and in nature. It is founded on the understanding that unstructured play outdoors - nature play - is fundamental to a full and healthy childhood.
Nature play promotes health benefits, including cognitive, social and emotional development, and it builds resilience and creativity as well. Experiences in nature as a child also leads to environmental awareness and stewardship later in life.
Nature Play QLD is a collaborative organisation, working with partner groups to encourage the Queensland community to value nature play, and support families to prioritise it in children’s lives. Our primary role is to advocate the nature play message and to increase access to nature play resources, events and programs for Queenslanders.
A playground designed to help children interact with nature has been recognised as the best new play space in Queensland.
The Centenary Lakes Nature Play took out the Playspace Award (projects greater than $500,000) at the Parks and Leisure Australia Queensland 2018 Regional Awards of Excellence in Brisbane.
The playground, partially funded under the Queensland Government’s Works For Queensland program, was opened in November 2017. It includes interactive features that encourage creativity and exploration of the outdoors.
Describing the playspace and welcoming its recognition, Cairns Mayor Bob Manning stated “there are dinosaur bones to uncover, ropes to climb and play huts to build.