Leslie Moorhead Pre-School in Mornington has officially opened a new nature-based playground following a $739,000 redevelopment funded through the Victorian School Building Authority.
The upgraded outdoor space is designed to support play-based learning and strengthen children’s connection to nature as part of their everyday early learning environment.
The playground was officially opened at the end of Term 1 during a community event that included a Smoking Ceremony conducted by Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Immediate past president Tennille Djuve, who led the implementation of the project, said the new space was the result of collaboration between staff and project partners.
Tennille Djuve said:
This space was the result of genuine collaboration between our teaching team and project partners, whose care and commitment brought this vision to life.
Focus On Nature-Based Learning
Teacher Tahni Dooley said the redevelopment was aimed at creating an outdoor space that was inclusive, engaging and centred on children’s connection to the natural environment.
Tahni Dooley said:
Our vision was to create a learning space for preschool-aged children that fostered a strong and meaningful connection to nature.
The project reflects a broader focus within early childhood education on outdoor and nature-based learning, with the new space designed to encourage exploration, independence and active play.
Ms Dooley said the playground was also intended to help children develop a sense of care for the environment in which they learn and play.
Tahni Dooley said:
We wanted children to develop a deep connection to the land and to feel a sense of responsibility for the environment in which they learn and play.
Space Already In Use
Staff say children have already responded strongly to the redeveloped playground, with educators observing high levels of curiosity, engagement and confidence in the new environment.
Tahni Dooley said:
The children have been actively connecting with nature through their play. They are curious, engaged, and confidently taking ownership of their thinking and learning.
The playground is expected to benefit local kindergarten children for years to come, providing an outdoor learning space designed to support both development and wellbeing.
