At the end of last year the Friends of Warrnambool Botanic Gardens were successful in their proposal to create a nature-based play space in the gardens as part of the State Government's Pick My Project initiative.

But the project hit a snag after Heritage Victoria demanded a permit and public submission process.

After months of delay, the group finally received approval.

President Pat Varley welcomed the news.

"Heritage Victoria received over 150 submissions and every single one was in favour of the project, there were no objections," she said.

"We just feel so buoyed up by the fact that we had so much support.

"There's so much value in nature play spaces outside for children, particularly young children, to get out and explore, take a few risks, climb and explore.

"It's very important for their development and we think the botanic gardens are the ideal place to provide that kind of experience."

The botanic gardens play space received $198,000 in funding and will be located on the northern side of the gardens near the lake.

It will feature a series of engaging, natural play elements which fit into the heritage listed gardens.

A large cypress stump and the remains of a historic tree will be incorporated into the design, becoming play pieces.

It will be built using natural and recycled materials, with no plastic or cost to parents.

Elements which encourage climbing, jumping, balancing and squeezing will be included, with logs, rocks, ropes and old bridge timbers featuring in the play space.

"There's not going to be any plastic in sight and will give kids the chance to be creative," Dr Varley said.

"We have a very short timeline, we hoped it would be finished by now because there's a limited time set by Pick My Project but I'm sure given the circumstances they won't mind extending.

"We hope by people working alone or with a couple of people on sire they can get started very quickly.

"We already have a plan up and hope to get a few donations of materials to go into the build."

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