Wandina Primary School Principal Di Miller and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn are joined by Wandina Primary students on the future site of the Derna Park nature playground.

Getting back to nature for Wandina children is only a few weeks away with construction of a nature playground in Derna Park begins next week.

In 2016, Wandina Primary School and the City signed an agreement to construct and maintain a nature playground in the heart of the suburb.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the project was unique and added real value to the local park.

“The project enables the school, the City and the land developer to pool funds and build a fantastic playground facility on land owned by both the school and the City,” he said.

“Derna Park is already a popular public open space and with the addition of a nature playground, it is sure to become a top location for families from across Geraldton to visit and enjoy.”

Wandina Primary School Principal Di Miller said the new playground would challenge students using it during recess and lunch times and children of all ages using it after hours.

“The new nature playground will provide our school community with a fantastic play space where children will be able to be more creative and imaginative as well as develop their gross motor skills through play in a more natural environment,” she said.

“The nature playground will be a shared play space that will be enjoyed by children of all ages.”

Construction of the playground begins on Monday 19 March 2018 and is expected to be completed by the end of May 2018. During this time, the shared path located on the south side of the park will be closed to the public.

The $200,746 project is jointly funded with the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Regional Grants Scheme and the Mid West Development Commission contributing $149,167 and Wandina Primary School and P&C; the City; and Humfrey Land Developments contributing funding that was provided to the school.

For more information on the project, visit the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au