Nature Play to get North Queensland kids outdoors

Townsville children are switching from screen time to green time with the launch of the Queensland Government’s Nature Play initiative at Sheriff Park today.

The Nature Play program includes more than 200 outdoor ‘missions’ that children can tackle to improve their fitness while learning more about the natural world.

“We want young Queenslanders to have fun and healthy childhoods,” said Minister for Recreation and Sport Steve Dickson.

“Playing outdoors helps children boost their fitness and self-confidence and is great fun for mum and dad too.

“This is the perfect program for families who want to explore beautiful north Queensland together.”

The Queensland Government has committed $1.5 million to the Nature Play program over the next three years, delivering on its promise to revitalise frontline services.

To encourage kids to participate, the program includes ‘passports’, a missions website, home diaries for school-age children and special Nature Play events.

“Nature Play is a fun, easy way to help parents keep their children occupied through basic activities such as climbing, running and walking – from the humble backyard to our national parks,” Mr Dickson said.

Queensland Outdoor Recreation Foundation executive officer Murray Stewart said Nature Play was an exciting initiative.

“Our mandate is to develop the opportunity for outdoor recreation in Queensland and Nature Play will see Queensland kids given the encouragement and the resources to discover nature, and themselves,” Mr Stewart said.

Mr Dickson said the Queensland Government was pleased to support initiatives designed to help children get active.

“The Newman Government is committed to getting more young Queenslanders involved in recreation and sport and we are delivering with programs such as this, as well as our $47.8 million Get in the Game  sport initiative,” he said.

[ENDS] 1 July 2014           

Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647