By GEORGIA OSLAND
CARDIFF Early Education and Care Centre has received its first council grant to transform its playgrounds into a sensory haven.
The centre was one of 11 community groups and schools to receive a boost from Lake Macquarie council in its latest round of environmental sustainability grants.
It will receive $2814 to install vertical gardens, vegetable patches, a compost and native plants in its three playgrounds.
Centre director Kathryn Russell said the centre had been working towards sustainable practices for some time, with a vegetable garden and worm farm already installed.
“We’re very excited. We still have a lot of work to do but we’re getting there,” she said.
Catering to 113 children each week, the centre will complement the new additions to its gardens with a sustainability education program for the children. This will be incorporated into the classrooms through books, posters and discussions.
Children will also be able to participate in hands-on activities in the new gardens and learn how to grow and care for plants.
The centre expects to receive the grant in September.