Taronga Western Plains Zoo is excited to announce the all new Safari Park Children’s Playground is now open for visitors to enjoy. The playground has been under construction for the past three months and during this time has taken shape to become a unique, interactive part of the Zoo. The African themed playground features a variety of timber climbing structures, balancing beams, a timber hut and sand pit, bridges, percussion instruments as well as a safari jeep and a number of animal sculptures. “The new playground is a fantastic addition to the Zoo and is sure to be a hit with visitors, especially families,” said Matt Fuller, General Manager, Taronga Western Plains Zoo. “The Safari Park is a place where children can explore and learn about African animals in a fun and hands on environment, it’s a place where their imaginations can run wild.” “Our Zoo Friends have been very supportive of this project contributing $400, 000 to the design and construction of the playground.” “This project is the first of many happening over the next 18 months which will see the Taronga Western Plains Zoo front entrance transformed as well as becoming more accessible to the general public,” said Matt. In addition to the new playground the Zoo’s existing play equipment has been given a facelift along with the picnic and BBQ area nearby. The new Safari Park Children’s Playground is the first project to be completed in the current phase of the Zoo’s master plan, with the Obley Road front entrance and visitor precinct to commence construction in September 2009. The focus of the master plan will now shift towards the visitor precinct and front entrance with catering operations soon being moved to the temporary site of the Zoo Friends building.  The Zoo will continue to operate as normal from 9am – 4pm everyday.  For more information contact 02 6881 1400 or visit www.taronga.org.au.