Children guide park project vision

ARTISTIC DESIGN: Mount Gambier Children's Centre students Phoebe (back left), MacKenna, Joey, Jaxson, Asha (front left), Lara and Ayla enjoy spending time with Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin while discussing their drawing ideas for the adjacent John Powell Reserve.

ARTISTIC DESIGN: Mount Gambier Children’s Centre students Phoebe (back left), MacKenna, Joey, Jaxson, Asha (front left), Lara and Ayla enjoy spending time with Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin while discussing their drawing ideas for the adjacent John Powell Reserve.

CREATIVITY flowed through the Mount Gambier Children’s Centre recently as students designed ideas to further develop the neighbouring John Powell Reserve.

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin met with the students last week to interpret drawings for the space on John Powell Drive, behind Mulga Street Primary School.

“I was very pleased to receive some beautiful works of art from the children,” Ms Martin said.

“It was great to hear their ideas and vision for the reserve space they love to visit regularly.”

Centre director Pauline Bosco said the children were keen to give input on the community space.

“The children would like to see some more things at the reserve to make it a better space,” Ms Bosco said.

“Some ideas included trees for shade, a water tap, picnic table with bench seats and a barbecue area and shelter for families to enjoy.

“We hope to use it as a space to showcase the children’s artistic voice, empowering them to be seen as capable citizens of the community.”

Ms Bosco hoped the new ideas echoed aspirations within council’s Charter for Children.

“Council continues to develop John Powell Reserve into a naturescape,” she said.

“They continue to beautify the area and increase outdoor learning opportunities and engagement for local children and the community.”