Free turf for schools and youth groups

Ten schools and youth groups across Australia will get a natural turf makeover to help green up their outdoor learning and play areas, as part of the 2014 Perfect Pitch of Green Program. The program was previously known as Perfect Patch of Green and is now in its third year.

Junior Landcare and Turf Australia have offered turf to cover an area up to 200 square metres to each of the 10 groups - the equivalent to the goalmouth of a standard sporting field. The grass can be used to enhance sports and outdoor areas or create more spaces for play.

Anthony Muscat, Turf Australia president and board member, said the program aims to increase the health and wellbeing of Australian children by providing them with inviting outside environments, where they can experience the benefits of time spent outdoors.

“Having children myself, I think it’s very important for them to have some lawn in their backyard so they can kick a ball around and play with their pets to improve their physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

2014 Perfect Pitch of Green Program recipients include:

• Chapman Primary School, Chapman, ACT
• 1st Wagga Wagga Scout Group, Glenfield Park, NSW
• Glendore Public School, Maryland, NSW
• Wakehurst Public School, Belrose, NSW
• Caloundra Christian College, Caloundra, Qld
• Pyalong Primary School, Pyalong, Vic
• St John’s Primary School, Frankston East, Vic
• St Margaret’s School, Maribyrnong, Vic
• Hensman Street Kindy, South Perth, WA
• McDougall Park Community Kindergarten, Como, WA