The Playscape

The Playscape is a product of a year-long design process that included students, teachers, and families. The goal was to create a natural play space with opportunities for open-ended play that grows with students as they age. Children wanted places to perch, hide, be upside down, climb, interact with nature, be alone, and together. The Playscape achieves all of these things into one, multi-age, immersive natural environment.

The outdoor area is referred to as a Playscape instead of a playground because it’s not just about play structures and activity. The space highlights the instructional value of landscape architecture and the desire for children to engage with and learn from nature.

Play Zone 1

Play Zone 1 features a log and net climber, pendulum swing, and slides. The log and net climber allows children of different ages and abilities to engage with the structure, gain height, gather and socialize, and challenge themselves as they age. The pendulum swing invites collaborative play where students work together to get the swing to move and accelerate to new heights. The custom-built slides include both single and community slides, so students can have choice in the types of experience they want. 

Play Zone 3

Play Zone 3 includes another set of slides that are smaller and more accessible to younger students. A parkour set invites physical challenge and builds upper body strength and is complemented by monkey bars, which were found to be a favorite of students during the design process. Students also requested places where they could socialize and be in small groups. The hammock invites students to spend time alone or in conversation with others. It also serves as another swinging element.

Sandbox

Students love building things and many requested a sand feature. A large, inviting sandbox incorporates natural log elements for multi-dimensional play.

Playpods

Two custom-designed playpods provide spaces where students can play, hide, and be alone or in small groups. The “onion pod” provides a treehouse effect, while the “clamshell pod” provides an underground/cave-like experience.