‘Kwatja’ is the Arrernte word for desert water.
Water play gives children the opportunity to interpret, celebrate and promote the cultural, historical and ecological significance of Lhere Mparntwe/the Todd River. Our vision is to create a safe and shady play space that enlivens the senses (touch, sight, smell and hearing) through water play.
Using local materials and vegetation, the water play area will include spaces/elements for:
- parents to sit and relax while supervising their children
- young children to play and engage
- older children to play and be stimulated.
Studies demonstrate water based technologies such as fountains, ponds and water sprinklers decrease surrounding air temperature and offset the impact of the urban heat island effect. These are most effective in combination with shading, greenery and trees.
Proposed water play in the CBD may include:
- placement in a prominent position to maximise visibility and inclusion of passers-by
- use of existing tree canopy to reduce structural shade construction costs, avoid radiant heat issues, and reinforce natural theming
- minimal fencing by locating away from busy roads and using existing buildings as de facto fences, and integrating level changes and landscaping to disguise required fencing
- terraced ledges and seating around splash zone, raised landscape mounds and picnic areas to provide supervision opportunities
- a well-shaded compact main splash area to minimise evaporation and encourage longer play duration
- a larger free play zone for older kids with larger play elements (logs, blocks etc) .
Proposed different water play designs are shown below, with the location still to be finalised.
Keep up to date with www.revitalisingalice.nt.gov.au for this project as it develops.
