A spokesperson for the Rural Municipality of Hanover says research shows kids are losing their connection to nature and knowing what to do outdoors. That is why Lisa Baldwin, Manager for Recreation and Community Services says she is thrilled with a new opportunity in Mitchell where kids can learn to grow their imagination.

A natural playground has been built south of Highway 52. Baldwin says there wasn't a lot of green space for kids to play, on the south end of the community. Through community surveys and

consultation, a plan was put together to build a playground. But Baldwin says this isn't a typical playground.

"It's called a natural playground," she says. "It encompasses the natural environment to get kids moving more, using your imagination, it's a really neat space."

Baldwin says rather than swings and slides, this playground has tunnels, logs, a climbing wall and hills.

"You'd be amazed at how much time kids can spend on just a simple hill," she says.

Baldwin says we live in a world where kids are focused on screen time and being indoors. She notes there is a huge problem in society with obesity among children and this natural playground will get kids to simply play together.

This is only phase one of a larger project. It cost a little more than $100,000, funded in part by Community Places, the RM of Hanover and Mitchell Community Centre Board. Baldwin says if they can get additional funding, the plan is for a phase two one day. The next phase would include more traditional playground equipment.

"We heard that from some of the residents, we pulled them together that they still want to see some of that traditional playground equipment," she says. "We want to look at features like a picnic shelter so that families can come together, it can be kind of a place where families can come together, they can have lunch, they can watch their kids play, they can really enjoy it as a community."