Kids' Outdoor Program Stopped Due to Safety Concerns

Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 7:54 pm

Students at Forest School SA do outdoor activities like walking and cooking.

In short:

Mount Barker District Council stopped Forest School SA.

The council had safety concerns about the site at Anembo Park.

What's next?

The program's founder is waiting for the council's review.

A popular outdoor education program was temporarily closed.

Last week, Forest School SA was told to stop due to property and safety concerns.

Program founder Bell Gower got an email from the council to stop all activities.

Forest School SA founder Isabella Gower is next to the outdoor play equipment.

The council had concerns about the safety risks at the site.

The council saw damage to trees, fire pits, and activities near the freeway.

The area used for Forest School is near the South Eastern Freeway.

There is no fence between the participants and the roadway.

The council said a formal application was needed to continue activities.

Mount Barker District Council was concerned about the freeway's proximity.

Ms Gower said the program had been at Mount Barker for about a year.

The closure was a huge shock to employees and families.

The founder was in denial and thought they could work it out.

Many children were upset and didn't want to go to a different place.

Ms Gower submitted a formal application to resume the program.

The founder uses professional risk assessment for the children's activities.

The founder doesn't think the activities are wildly dangerous.

Isabella Gower is with her students at Anembo Park, Mount Barker.

The Scouts group will host the program as a short-term solution.

The closure was disruptive to families and children who cared for the space.

About 40 families were enrolled in the program.

School 'expanded significantly', council says

A council spokesperson said they support nature-based learning.

The council worked with Forest School SA to regularize its operations.

The program expanded, with structures and fire pits in the area.

The council didn't shut down Forest School SA, but stopped the operation.

The council is working with Forest School SA to find a solution.

Parents feeling 'heartbroken'

Parent Teala Duke said the program was perfect for her daughter.

Teala Duke's daughter was upset by the temporary relocation.

It's heartbreaking if the kids lose this area.

The children have adapted to the environment and call it home.

They've created a bond with the area and don't want it taken away.

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