Two natural play areas unveiled in Kitchener

By Blair Adams

A pair of natural play areas have been added at Kingsdale Park and Gzowski Park in Kitchener.

Both were unveiled on Saturday.

National not-for-profit Evergreen teamed up with the City of Kitchener and are supported by a two-year, almost $490,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation.

The renovated public spaces include new sand play features, opportunities for gardening and stewardship, as well as community art.

“The success of Evergreen’s Neighbourhood Nature Play project is rooted in a commitment to community engagement at the municipal and local levels,”  Evergreen’s Executive Director of Programs, Cam Collyer, said in a release.

“The outcome has been deeply influenced by those who spend time in and play at this public space, creating new active outdoor play opportunities and connections with nature in a multi-sensory, year-round space close to home.” Collyer added.

The City of Kitchener's Natural Areas Coordinator says they are excited to see how the community embraces the new spaces.

“Not only do we have an amazing redesigned park space that will support creative and imaginative outdoor play but we also have created and built strong social connections within and among community members.” said Josh Shea.

“We're excited to see how the community embraces these new spaces, not only in their interactions with natural materials and nature discovery but as safe spaces to engage with and meet people in their neighbourhoods.” he added.

The natural play program will resume in the spring.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today