Community Collaboration

Nature Based Play works closely with clients and communities to shape designs that not only enhance the site but also meet the needs of those who will use it.

We design for all budgets and sites, tailoring each project to maximise outcomes. From the very beginning, we look for opportunities to harness local capacity — whether that’s sourcing materials and equipment locally, drawing on skilled community help, or incorporating design input from clients and community members.

This approach reduces project costs, expands what can be achieved, and lowers the overall carbon footprint. More importantly, it strengthens community connection to the space being created.

When it comes to construction, our skilled team will work with the local community, ensuring every project meets Australian Standards and the highest quality benchmarks. Based on previous projects, this process not only saves money but also creates a lasting sense of ownership and pride, resulting in unique, imaginative play spaces for the community.

Examples of community collaborative projects:

Djiljit Mia Community Gathering Place Dunsborough

Initiated by the Dunsborough Progress Association, the project sought to acknowledge country through a design that shares the story of how the first people lived and cared for this land. Shaped in consultation with Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland, including an onsite community workshop that ensured cultural stories were respectfully embedded in the design developed by NBP.

The project was a true community effort, with invaluable contributions from local volunteers, including the Men’s Shed, Bendigo Bank staff, and the support of the Shire of Busselton. Together, these efforts enabled the NBP team to create a beautiful and meaningful nature-based Community Gathering Place. It has since won multiple awards.

” NBP guided me in working out what materials, machinery, equipment, manpower and funding/sponsorship was required to complete the project. It was a partnership that required a lot of trust to ensure we could synchronise all resources and efforts for a short build period. If you are considering a project of this type, dont go past NBP! They really believe in the value and magic of community led placemaking, and are a wonderful bunch!”

Trish Flower – Community Leader – Djiljit Mia Community Gathering Place, Dunsborough

statues child photog christian fletcher_DjiljitMia Large

Djiljit Mia Community Gathering Space Dunsborough (Dunsborough Progress Association) Photography by Christian Fletcher

Cottesloe Nature Discovery Space (Cottesloe Coastcare) Photography by munro_does_photos

Cottesloe Nature Discovery Space

For many years, the dedicated team at Cottesloe Coastcare worked tirelessly in rehabilitating the local coastline. Their vision was to create a small, low-key space within the dunes where children could connect with nature — exploring, building cubbies, and discovering local plants and wildlife.

Through close collaboration between Coastcare, the Town of Cottesloe, and NBP, a thoughtful design was developed to balance dune restoration, accessibility, and public amenity. The result is a Nature Discovery Space that invites learning, play, and a deeper appreciation of the coastal environment.

The project was made possible thanks to support from the Local member and the Mindaroo Foundation. Today, the space continues to thrive under the care of Cottesloe Coastcare volunteers, who also welcome local schools and community groups to take part in hands-on environmental stewardship. It has since won multiple awards.

“We are very grateful to Nature Based Play for converting our dream ideas to reality. We loved working with their team and we are thrilled with the award. We keep working at the area and will plant more seedlings this winter.” Robyn Benken – Cottesloe Coastcare

Russell Brown Adventure Park

Russell Brown Adventure Park is a community collaborative project that has achieved a large and wonderful nature based play environment on the banks of the Swan River. Initiated by the Town of Mosman park and brought to life through strong collaborative partnerships, the park reflects what can be achieved when community, schools, service clubs, and local organisations come together.

Key contributors included Nature Based Play, the Town of Mosman Park, Mosman Park Rotary Club, Mosman Park Mens’ Shed, St Hilda’s School and a host of private sector sponsors.

The park was carefully designed to respect its natural setting — incorporating existing trees and landforms, and making extensive use of repurposed and recycled materials. More than a decade on, Russell Brown Adventure Park remains a much-loved community destination, recognised with multiple awards.

Russell Brown Adventure Park Playground Nature Play Designers

Russell Brown Adventure Park (Town of Mosman Park)