A large jungle Augmented Reality interactive mural, floor art which doubles as a scooter track and board game, Kaurna Rainbow sculptures, a native garden and new outdoor seating.

Davoren Park Shopping Centre has been revamped into a colourful interactive oasis for all those who frequent the area.

The Build up HOPE project was possible thanks to $45,000 of grant funding received by the Department of Human Services for COVID-19 Recovery and administered by the Local Government Association of South Australia.

Since March, the City of Playford has worked with CareWorks SA’s Hope Street Youth, Carclew's Pom Pom and their program participants to develop a space for them and their families.

The transformed space is the vision of more than 100 young people, providing them with an area that they feel connected to, be proud of, be active and feel safe in, as well as strengthen their relationship with the services around them.

The young people have attended more than 20 hands-on creative workshops delivered by well-known artists and community facilitators to create this space.

Shayla Brown, 10, a Carclew’s Pom Pom program participant, said she loved being involved in the project and making the area come to life.

“Now there is a scooter track and everything, it’s so much more fun and exciting to look at,” she said. “I think my favourite spot is the broad game because I play it with my friends.”

Balicia Forman, 12, a Hope Street participant, agreed and looks forward to spending more time outdoors.

“I was planning and putting together some of the ideas for this space,” she said. “I love it, it’s definitely made the space happier and a lot more vibrant. “People will drive past and say ‘that’s so cool’ and just notice it.”

Workshops provided engagement in art and culture, while building creativity, confidence, self-esteem and community connectedness.

The project has been a catalyst to link the activities of Carclew’s Pom Pom and Hope Street Youth, and accelerate a transition pathway for children through to youth and young adult services and activities.

The project has demonstrated how a collaborative approach between government, the not-for-profit and volunteer sector can contribute and influence opportunities for young people.

The Building for HOPE projects aimed to promote positive physical and mental wellbeing and community connectedness.

Building up HOPE is a City of Playford project in partnership with CareWorks SA’s Hope Street and Carclew's Pom Pom. This project has received funding from the Department of Human Services Youth-led COVID-19 Recovery Grants and administered by the Local Government Association of South Australia. Views and findings associated with this project are expressed independently and do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of South Australia or the Local Government Association of South Australia.

For more information on Pom Pom and how you can get your child involved visit https://carclew.com.au/Program/pom-pom

For more information on CareWorks SA Youth – Hope Street visit https://www.cwsa.org.au/programs/youth-hope-street