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March 7-13, 2019 Dubbo Photo News
Love an adventure By KEN SMITH
HERE’S a sneak peek at the Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens, the awesome new local family fun and adventure playground adjacent to Shoyoen Japanese Gardens. Last week, Mayor of Dubbo Region Ben Shields and Member for Dubbo Troy Grant took an official tour of the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden’s Nature-Based Adventure Playground to see its progress ahead of the official opening to the public later this month. The Adventure Playground has been designed to encourage children of all ages and abilities to socialise
and provide interesting and challenging situations to enable them to gain confidence, coordination, strength and skills. “This project will enhance the recreational offering for our whole community. One of the things I am most proud of is the level of inclusiveness which is unprecedented in this region,” Cr Shields said. “I’d like to thank Troy Grant and the NSW State Government for making such a significant investment of $1.3 million toward this exciting project, complete with 40 different play elements including areas specific for toddlers, senior fitness and a variety of inclusive play options,” he said.
Mr Grant said he was very excited to see the project almost complete. “From the two-metre fire pole that I have personally tested, to the sand and water play areas, this design has been well thought out, well planned and very well delivered,” Mr Grant said. The two officials finished their tour by planting a Xanthorrhoea glauca (Grass Tree), one of the 800 plants to be planted across the gardens. Council engaged local fencing, welding, building, landscaping and turf contractors in order to spend over 60 per cent of the funds locally. The adventure begins late March and we can’t wait.
Member for Dubbo Troy Grant and Mayor Ben Shields planting a ‘grass tree’. PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS