You would almost think this is a natural bush waterhole – but it isn’t. It’s part of the new Rio Tinto Naturescape in Kings Park, Perth Western Australia.

Headwaters of Paperbark Creek

This post is one of two simultaneous posts; the other is by fellow ECE blogger Niki Buchan of Precious Childhood. We visited the Naturescape together and decided to release our blog posts at the same time.

We haven’t consulted at all with each other about the contents of the posts so it will be interesting to see our different takes on the Naturescape. One thing I’m certain of: Niki is a much better photographer than I am but we share similar views on the importance of nature play and on supporting risk in play.

What’s this Naturescape thing, then?

The Naturescape (shh, don’t call it a playground) is a fantastic addition to Perth’s play opportunities for children of all ages. Entrance is free.

Opened in October 2011, the $10m, 60,000 sqm area is described as a place which “invites children to immerse themselves in a natural environment doing what comes naturally – building cubbies, wading through creeks, climbing rocks, playing hide and seek and collecting bush treasures.”

It was opened by the Premier, Colin Barnett, who said: ”This is a wonderful playground area for children, a return to the old days where you can walk in the creek, play in the wetland, climb trees, get dirty, get your hands wet, even probably skin your knee.”

And in a first for me I find myself in complete agreement with Premier Barnett. This is a wonderful playground! I have no hesitation in calling it the best playground in Perth.

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Water play – it conjures up visions of children scooping and pouring, floating things and sinking them, measuring and washing and splashing and laughing. Huge fun, and there are a thousand things to be learned at the water trough. But water play … and music? It doesn’t seem like a natural combination but it’s amazing what you can do with a few household items, some stuff from your garden shed and a water play trough!

Water play and music play with floating metal bowls

Make sure you have different sized bowls available

My first exposure to water and music wasn’t working in child care – it was watching the great percussionist Trilok Gurtu dipping gongs, bells, cymbals and sea-shell rattles into a bucket of water during a John McLaughlin Trio concert many years ago. The unearthly tones he produced delighted me – shimmering waves of ever-changing tones that swooped up and down in pitch.

I have a very broad definition of music. To me, music is sound organised in time. All sounds can be music, and with water play we can explore:

rhythm
pattern
tempo
pitch
timbre (tone)

These are the building blocks of all music, and water offers a unique playground for exploring them. It also offers a fantastic way to explore the science of sound in a way that is meaningful and understandable for young children.

We aren’t going to be creating songs (although singing may happen); we aren’t going to be creating performances (although that may happen too). Instead this is about exploration and learning through the joy of free play. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be wet and it’s going to be fun. Get your water play clothes on (budgie smugglers optional) and let’s get playing!

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