Picture: BROOKE LITTLEWOOD
THERE were plenty of reasons to cheer in Millicent this week after Member for Barker Tony Pasin announced a $400,000 funding windfall for the town’s parkland redevelopment project.
The development of the domain precinct into a vibrant community space has been planned by Wattle Range Council as a major project linking established walking, running and cycling trails and giving healthy lifestyle choices to a wide range of age groups.
The $640,000 redevelopment will involve three main areas including the rage cage, nature play area and domain playground, as well as solar lighting, surveillance cameras and landscaping including shade and shelter and bench seating.
Mr Pasin said it was a significant project for the community and he was pleased he could deliver funding to get it moving and see the plans become a reality sooner.
“The council has done a wonderful job in planning what will really bring community together by creating a vibrant open space that the whole community can benefit from,” he
said.
The funding will help council develop the Voice of the Children nature play area, which has been a collaboration between council and a committee of school, kindergarten and early learning educators.
Committee spokesperson Deb Redman said the committee was grateful to receive the grant to ensure the childrens’ opinions could be can be heard and acted on.
“Outside play allows children to explore in an unstructured environment that encourages risk-taking, imagination and creativity, which in turn supports physical and cognitive development,” she said.
“Connecting children with nature play gives them an opportunity to choose how they use a space through exploration and experimentation.
“This grant shows that our community values the collaboration and planning the children and young people have completed with the support of our local educators.
“We are excited to see our domain area grow and be a central focus for our community.”
The nature play area is set to bring the existing Domain parklands to life and planning of the project has involved contributions from around 250 children from early childhood learning through to high school.
The funding will be delivered to council through the Federal Government’s Community Development Grant fund.
