2018 Update: The Science Engagement Initiative of the Year for 2018 was won by Rio Tinto’s Naturescape in Kings Park. PLAN E Landscape Architects worked with them on the project …

2018 Update:
The Science Engagement Initiative of the Year for 2018 was won by Rio Tinto’s Naturescape in Kings Park. PLAN E Landscape Architects worked with them on the project and their director David Smith showed Maggie around the newest section, which is a fantastic outcome for everyone of all ages! Naturescape receives around 80,000 visitors a year, with more than 20,000 of these being students ranging from kindy to uni! Education programs are delivered in unique outdoor ‘living classrooms’ with the aim of connecting kids with nature. Congratulations!

A note from Kings Park:
Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park is a place devoted to connecting children with nature and learning about the Western Australian environment. The $3 million upgrade is made possible through Kings Park’s partnership with Rio Tinto. Rio Tinto has been a strong supporter of this world-first nature space.

Covering six hectares and surrounded by natural bushland, the facility includes a running creek with rocky banks, log bridges, climbing ropes, tree hides, a cubby building zone, bridges and meandering paths. Two thirds of the precinct is open to the general public and one third is a dedicated Education zone. Each section offers a unique experience, designed to appeal to children of different ages, personalities and abilities.

Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park is one of the first facilities of its kind in the world and has paved the way for changing attitudes to designing outdoor areas for children and the value of ‘nature play’.

Website: http://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park/area/naturescape