Johannesburg Botanical Gardens receives new playground

The playground at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens has received a makeover thanks to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.

Sandra Viljoen from the botanical gardens said, “We decided that there was no real entertainment for the kids so we decided to create a kiddies garden but we didn’t want the normal bright colours so most of the playground equipment is more earthy and natural and something completely different.”

She said the playground has been opened for use but a few finishing touches such as benches and some play pieces are yet to be completed.

The play pieces are also not the typical structures you would find in a playground but rather focus on improving children’s balance and coordination.

The garden, which has taken about six months to complete, was quite an expensive venture as costly non-traditional play pieces were added. Safety was also the number one concern which required a safety matting around all the pieces.

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Children from Teddy Bears Montessori were the first to be invited to spend some time at the playground. A total of 25 children from the creche were invited to spend the morning at the playground on 18 September.

Preshanie Maharaj, the principal of the creche said, “Sandra and her team invited us since we’re just across from Marks Park and we usually have get-togethers and our concert at the facilities.”

Nicholas Lorimer, the councillor for Ward 88 said, “I think it’s a great addition to what was already a really great facility. We’re really lucky to have it and I think it was money well spent and I think it’s going to be a really nice place for people to come and enjoy.”

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