Who are Nature Play Solutions

    Nature Play Solutions are renowned for specialising in play-space developments which create nature based outdoor play environments and encourage creative play for kids with the natural elements. They have been recognised nationally for their work, including winning the National Award for Best Playspace Project (under $0.5m) in 2019.

    What considerations were taken into account in the design?

    • Use of natural elements in features and layout to blend in with the natural surroundings of the area.
    • Options for active and passive play, from sitting quietly and observing, to engaging creatively with sand and water, having fun with the swing or table tennis, balancing on the varying journey pathways or creating the sound of rain with the rain wheel.
    • Consideration of younger and older children, parents and grandparents to create a cosy and interactive intergenerational space.
    • Natural elements used wherever possible (e.g. use of rubber under the swing to allow for increased access, but not throughout the design to minimise both heat and synthetic elements).
    • Custom designed seating to allow older adults to sit alongside more physically able family members or friends.
    • Maximising the use of existing trees for shade and ambiance, and situating the play space so it ‘nestles’ gently within the current setting.
    • Planting throughout, to soften the space; creating a calming balance for our often busy and digital world.

    How does the Nook meet the City's startegic objectives?

    The development of The Nook aims to meet the following strategies of the City Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027.

    • C1.1 Plan and provide a range of community facilities to meet current and future needs.
    • B1.1 Develop and maintain appealing streetscapes.
    • E2.1 Increase public amenity in town/city centres to enhance community interaction and public safety.

    It is also intended to meet objectives of the City's Place Activation Plan for Noranda Town Centre to activate public spaces to be more inviting.