Playground gift for Safety Bay students

Safety Bay Primary School students' jaws will drop this week when they return to school and see their new nature-play playground.

Up to 20 community members rolled up their sleeves during school holidays to help build the area from scratch.

The pre-primary and kindergarten area now boasts obstacles including monkey bars, a rope bridge, cargo climbing net, tyres, and stepping logs.

Pre-primary teacher Kristie Grieve said the school had been planning the area for a few years and finally had enough funds and manpower to get the job done.

Mrs Grieve said nature-play areas helped build a child's gross motor skills, co-ordination and balance.

"I think it is really important for students to build their gross motor skills because that translates into the classroom with their fine motor skills," she said.

"We have seen lots of nature playgrounds around the community and the children just love getting back to basics and climbing and having fun.

"Play is the best way to learn - they can use their imagination, build independence, learn to respect the environment and be adventurous."

Mrs Grieve said she was amazed by the community's support and input.

"It is fantastic, we've had mums and dads and the Warnbro Swans footy club boys have come down to help us," she said.

"It is really good to see that everyone is pulling together to help the kids."

Parent Elleke Bosworth was pleased the playground would offer more outdoor activities.

"I love the fact that the school took the initiative to improve our children's lives," she said.

"They have been working towards it for a long time so it's been great to see it happen and to help out."