Murray Bridge Preschool officially opens new nature play space with Senator visit

Senator Marielle Smith recently visited Murray Bridge Preschool to officially open a new nature play space which was made possible through funding from the South Australian Department for Education.

“There are no more important years in a child’s education than the early years,” Senator Smith said at the opening, welcoming the space which will “help ensure the children at Murray Bridge Preschool Kindergarten have a fantastic start to their learning journey.”

The play space has been designed to help stimulate learning while helping children to make meaningful connections with the natural environment.

It also helps support Aboriginal cultural education by encouraging connection to the history and traditions of the Ngarrindjeri people.

“The educators, governing council and families at Murray Bridge Preschool Kindergarten have done an incredible job in delivering this project, in particular their Director, Shirley Hartman,” Senator Smith said.

“Play based learning, especially nature play, is vital in the education and development of children in the early years.”

The nature play space also features a water play space, new sandpit, bike track and other play based learning opportunities, and was constructed by Jesse Chambers from River Landscaping, finishing during the most recent school holidays.