SERENDIP Sanctuary’s sensory garden was officially opened this week.<\/p>\n
The garden, which has been open to visitors since spring, was developed with community and accessibility groups to create a space where visitors can experience nature through sight, smell, sound, taste and touch.<\/p>\n
The garden is divided into five distinctive areas, each representing one of the senses, and features a yarning circle co-designed with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.<\/p>\n
Wide paths, accessible seating and navigation features have been installed to allow schools, families and all-abilities groups to use the space, while brightly coloured artworks by Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker appear throughout the garden.<\/p>\n
The display pond, which was restored last year, is now home to frogs, turtles and birds.<\/p>\n
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the garden would make the sanctuary more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.<\/p>\n
“We want every Victorian to be able to access great outdoor spaces and the sensory garden is a perfect example of how we are investing in accessible parks,” he said.<\/p>\n
The project forms part of the state government’s $11 million investment into Serendip Sanctuary and the nearby You Yangs precinct, with upgrades to wildlife viewing areas, picnic areas and car parks scheduled to take place this year.<\/p>\n
Lara MP Ella George said attention had now turned to implementing these other improvements at the sanctuary.<\/p>\n
“Serendip Sanctuary is a special place for local residents, and I am thrilled to see upgrades progressing well and the sanctuary being transformed,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Over the coming months, we will see more upgrades to the wildlife viewing areas and habitat improvements to attract even more free roaming wildlife to this beautiful sanctuary.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SERENDIP Sanctuary’s sensory garden was officially opened this week. The garden, which has been open to visitors since spring, was developed with community and accessibility groups to create a space where visitors can experience nature through sight, smell, sound, taste and touch. The garden is divided into five distinctive areas, each representing one of the […]<\/p>\n