'Wild play' movement comes to Centennial Parklands this summer

Centennial Parklands in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, has been pioneering 'wild' play experiences which aim to teach children bush skills, confidence and an appreciation of the environment.

Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust Director and Chief Executive Kim Ellis explains "Centennial Parklands provides unique fantastic opportunity for children to have a 'wild' play experience just moments from the Sydney CBD. We are so fortunate to have the Parklands right here in the middle of the city, with the chance for children to have unstructured play, as well as participating in programs that teach bush skills like building shelters and making things from natural resources.

"The wild play movement is something that is really taking off in the United States and UK, and we hope to encourage its growth here in Australia.

"An enormous amount of research in recent years has shown children in touch with nature and access to play outdoors, benefit both physically and mentally. This is increasingly critical to our children's development needs in our urbanised environment.

"More and more children are growing up without a backyard - without regular access to nature. We need to value and integrate our public green spaces more within our busy lives. It is not just a matter of choice, but a must for the health and wellbeing of our coming generations."

Ellis believes that it is important for children to connect with nature when they are very young, so they grow up with an appreciation for the natural environment. Children can start by exploring their local park, and then graduate to exploring true wild spaces in national parks in Australia and around the world. This will create an enduring relationship with nature that they will carry with them for life and be advocates for ensuring a sustainable future.

During the December/January school holidays children will have the opportunity to participate in a range of these outdoor, play-based programs. These programs are the first of their kind in an urban park in Australia.

Give your children regular and ready access to nature this summer by enrolling them into one of the fun and informative educational programs that are available at Centennial Parklands.

Summer activities will see over 40 other programs and activities available including:

• CP Bush Rangers Club - Children can come explore the wildlife of Centennial Parklands with Sydney's own wildlife club with activities aimed at giving school children a chance to play and learn like in the old days, by playing in wild and open spaces.
• Kids Vs Wild - This popular program is about fun, challenges and learning basic survival techniques and bush craft. The summer session will focus on the priority of water in a survival situation.

For more information on Centennial Parklands education programs and activities go to www.centennialparklands.com.au

9th March 2011 - NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO LEAD CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS

2nd June 2010 - CENTENNIAL PARK TRUSTEES THREATEN RESIGNATION