MLA

MLA Students Explore Local Communities

Since the beginning of the term, our MLA students have been exploring their FLL Unit on Local Communities and Government, learning about how community spaces are designed, who is responsible for them, and how decisions are made to support the needs of local people.

To deepen their understanding, students visited two contrasting local parks:

• Mill Park All Abilities Play Space
• D.R. Atkinson Reserve in Reservoir

At the Mill Park All Abilities Play Space, students observed how the playground was thoughtfully designed to support people of all ages and abilities. They explored the equipment, read the responsibility and safety signage, and discussed how features such as ramps, sensory areas, and accessible swings help create an inclusive environment for everyone.

Our next visit was to D.R. Atkinson Reserve, where a major playground upgrade is currently underway. Students had the valuable opportunity to meet with a Darebin Council officer, who explained their role in designing and redeveloping local spaces. They learned about community consultation, planning timelines, and how councils make decisions that balance safety, fun, and accessibility. Students were particularly interested in how the new playground design will reflect community feedback and support local families.

These experiences have helped students make strong connections between their classroom learning and the real-world work of local governments.