Childcare centre is still on track

BERWICK South will soon have a $1.3 million children’s centre in operation.
The Bridgewater Children’s Centre is quickly taking shape with building frames and roofing nearing completion and a kindergarten committee being formed.
The City of Casey is overseeing the completion of the project and manager of children’s services Colette McMahon said the facility will cater for four kindergarten groups.
An inaugural meeting was recently held where prospective parents were provided with information about kindergarten education, building design and outdoor landscaping. As a result of the meeting, a committee was formed.
Ms McMahon said councillors Mick Morland and Brian Hetherton assisted with the formation of the committee.
“We were delighted with the overwhelming response from parents to participate in being active members of the committee,” Ms McMahon said.
The building has been designed to capture maximum natural light which creates an open, airy space for children to engage in meaningful learning.
The landscaped play area is a highlight of the centre.
Drawing on local elements, the design incorporates many natural components such as a tree maze, sandpit, digging patch, stage and turf area to encourage active, investigative play and learning for the children.
“The relationship between the physical environment, both indoor and outdoor, impacts directly on children’s learning potential and families’ engagement within the centre.
“That’s why a lot of careful planning has gone into the design of the building and the landscaping,” Ms McMahon said.
“We are extremely proud to be able to offer this state-of-the-art centre to local families and look forward to its opening in early 2008.”