A playspace at Melton Botanic Garden has gained another award, receiving top honours at a national awards ceremony this month.
The Melton Botanic Garden Nature Play Space was recognised at a national level in the playspace category at this year’s Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards, held in Hobart on Tuesday 21 October.
According to Melton, the playspace was designed to foster children’s connection to the natural environment through play.
The space features recycled materials, native plants, rocks, logs, sand, and water.
According to the council, judges praised the project’s creative use of natural materials and its ability to deliver a high-quality play experience along with the design team’s sensitivity to the surrounding gardens – noting the use of complementary planting and materials that enhance the overall landscape.
The project was jointly funded by Melton and the Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens Grants program and developed in close collaboration with the community and the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said the Melton Botanic Garden is a “special place for our community”.
“It’s such a unique space for children to play, interact freely with nature and learn about their environment,” Cr Abboushi said.
“It’s fantastic to see it recognised on a national stage and is yet another reason for visitors to come and explore our wonderful city.”
The national accolade follows the project’s earlier recognition at the Victorian AILA Landscape Architecture Awards in June, where it won in the same category.
