Memorial Park Magic

Published on 12 December 2018

The Enchanted Hut public art mural on the rotunda at Memorial Park in Howlong was completed this week adding another dimension to the community playground built in early 2018.

The mural features on the exterior the illusion of a shelter made up of old woven whimsical trees, green foliage and flowers with fairies wings peeking out from the centre. 

As children enter the hut they are taken into a fantastical world of magical creatures including mystical fairies, naiads and goblins, hairy and slimy surprises that appear like they crawled right from the Murray River and enchanted mushrooms that provoke their imagination and encourage creative play.

The Enchanted Hut and Garden has created a unique and fun experience for children and families. It has created an area where children of all abilities can enjoy and experience a magical world, one that lets children use their imagination, gives them a space to sit and play together or enjoy quiet time away from the sometimes busy nature of a playground.

Council commissioned artist, Kristina Greenwood of Albury to create an original artwork on the rotunda that considers and blends with the natural environment, yet engages children in imaginative play and makes them feel like they are in an ‘enchanted hut’. The artist fees were supported through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

The Howlong Men’s Shed have created a mushroom chairs and tables using an old fallen down tree stump and branches. Landscaping around the rotunda will add a further dimension to the space and provide additional opportunities for nature play.

Council hopes to expand on the project by partnering with community groups and schools to construct further fantasy pieces for the hut in the future.