Kids now have a new way to connect with nature at Island Lake Conservation Area. Last week we officially opened a new 1.17-acre natural playground. This latest addition to the park was built with a clear objective – to inspire imagination and creativity in unstructured play.
Did you know outdoor play reduces stress levels, improves mood, and increases concentration?
Some of our best childhood memories include time spent outside running around, rolling in grass or getting muddy as we search for new adventures courtesy of Mother Nature. Island Lake’s natural playground includes natural elements like plants, water, logs, boulders and terrain that provide different sensory experiences and play opportunities.
It also features a 15-metre-long climbing wall, outdoor obstacle course, two sideways climbing trees and outdoor musical instruments.
Outdoor play is more important than ever. These free-standing structures allow children to use the playground in different ways whether it’s climbing, playing hide and sees or creating an individual adventure. Creativity thrives in nature.
If you take a stroll around the playground, you will also see Indigenous design elements that were developed in consultation with the Credit River Métis Council.
The natural playground will be open year-round (conditions permitting) for all to use. In winter, the 2.5 metre-wide trail around the playground will be groomed and flooded for skating.
The project was led by CVC, CVC Foundation and Friends of Island Lake. Construction began in August 2019 and was completed by the skillful hands of CVC parks staff.
The playground was generously funded by several partners in the community including the Friends of Island Lake, Orangeville Lion’s Club, Rotary Club of Orangeville, Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Dufferin County and the Jackman Foundation.
To learn more about our parks, visit CVCparks.ca.
Plan on visiting the natural playground? Share your photos with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!
By CVC’s Jamie Williams, Specialist, Marketing & Communications
Great idea -looks like fun!
That looks fantastic! Where is it located in the park?
Hi there, it is marked by a 30 on this map: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/comm-ca-guide-2020-map-island-lake-20200804.pdf
Where will we find it?
Hi there, it is marked by a 30 on this map: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/comm-ca-guide-2020-map-island-lake-20200804.pdf
What is the best route to get to the park?
Hi there, it is marked by a 30 on this map: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/comm-ca-guide-2020-map-island-lake-20200804.pdf
Where are the kids? Good to see the adults wearing masks.
Hi Don, this was at the opening event just last week. It is now open for all to enjoy! To learn more about the grand opening, click here: https://cvc.ca/news/story/natural-playground-opens-at-island-lake-conservation-area/