Macnamara Nature Park blends traditional playground equipment with elements of nature, allowing kids to choose their own adventure. Photo: Ginninderry.
The first playground in a series of outdoor public spaces planned for Macnamara has opened, promising connection to nature and harking back to a time when a grazed knee was a rite of passage for a child.
Macnamara Nature Park has opened on the edge of the current developed area of the Ginninderry suburb, overlooking the conservation area and close to the trailhead.
The park offers traditional playground equipment but also uses elements of nature that kids can interact with and create their own play.
According to Ginninderry urban design and landscape manager Matthew Frawley, one natural feature is sure to be a favourite.
“When we first surveyed the area there were these beautiful rock outcrops and when we stood on the top, we discovered it was one of the only spots in the suburb from which you actually see the water of the Murrumbidgee River,” he said.
“We knew the vision for that space had to preserve this special outcrop.”
Matthew said a lot of science went into the design of play equipment and the rise of nature play spaces reflected a need to get an element of risk back into play.
“For the better part of about 15 years play spaces became really sanitised but I think we’ve realised the developmental benefit of playgrounds is lost when we do that,” he said.
“Kids love play equipment but in my personal experience, they prefer jumping and climbing on natural stuff. They like to find their own adventure, as opposed to only prescribed play.
“They seek out a certain level of risk and it’s developmentally important that we give them controlled access to that.”
The outcrop of rocks that sits within the middle of the park creates a beautiful natural feature for the park, as well as some of those risky play elements.
The park sits on a path which will eventually connect all of Ginninderry’s suburbs.. Photo: Ginninderry.
Aesthetically, the park incorporates elements from Life Source, an artwork from First Nations artist Leah Brideson. The distinctive design motif was used in park finishes including the rubber softfall, bubblers, decorative fencing panels and the shelter ceiling.
“Lighting has been placed above it so at night, you can see the design projected on the ground,” Matthew says.
@this.is.canberra The first playground in a series of outdoor public spaces in Macnamara has opened! The Nature Park offers traditional playground equipment whilst also using elements of nature that kids can interact with to create their own play. 📍 Kaminski Street, Macnamara #ThisIsCanberra #NaturePark #Ginninderry #CanberraPlaygrounds @Ginninderry
Macnamara Nature Park sits on the path that will eventually connect all of Ginninderry’s suburbs.
The bike path skirting the urban edge along the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor forms part of what will ultimately become a big loop around the greenfield development, offering 6 km of unbroken shared path leading to the conservation area at various points along its length and flowing into NSW.
“It’s going to be an amazing community asset,” Matthew said.
Matthew said the nature park had been a highly anticipated addition to the neighbourhood for residents.
“One thing residents tell us they really appreciate is the fact that not every open space, playground or opportunity to play or create will be the same,” he said.
“The community sees value in the concept of parks like this, which get kids closer to nature, rather than all swings and slides.”
Macnamara Nature Park is only the latest in the line-up of diverse play spaces planned for Ginninderry, some of which will also incorporate spaces where children and their parents and guardians can play together.
For more information, visit Ginninderry.
