Adventure encouraged at new playground

An interactive, nature-based playground encouraging physical challenge and imaginative play has opened in Yallingup.

The new adventure playground, which was developed by the City of Busselton with the Yallingup Land Conservation District Committee and the Yallingup Residents Association, is the first of several upgrades planned for the Yallingup foreshore over the next four years.

Yallingup LCDC spokeswoman Lizzy Pepper said Yallingup’s adventure playspace, which opened last week, was already a hit with children.

“When the original playground was closed for redevelopment there was concern it would be just another bright plastic playground but it’s beautifully made with natural materials; natural stone, reused totem poles,” she said.

“They’ve used as much of the original structure as possible, there is a tunnel slide, an adventure hut and a concrete painted wave with a soft foam base and sensor-triggered misters that go off as the kids move through.”

Kidsafe WA Playground advisory service manager Tracy Blaszkows said adventure play spaces helped children to engage in active, physical play and challenged and encouraged their cognitive development.

“There is so much evidence behind the benefits of getting children outside and playing in a natural environment,” she said.

“Decades of children have been allowed to explore their local neighbourhood by climbing trees and exploring.

“Getting back to basics and allowing children to navigate a series of challenges and self-risk assessing is a very powerful skill not always provided for in children’s play.”

City of Busselton Mayor Ian Stubbs said the City had worked to preserve and protect the natural appeal of the Yallingup coastline while investing in its key facilities.