| This Child Care Center for 200 children is smack dab in the middle of
one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city, and even though the
site was challenging, it offered a wonderful opportunity to provide a
different experience for its urban children.
The Director said it clearly: “Their lives are difficult; nature may
be a way back for many of them; they need to be transformed to a
place they don’t get to see in their daily lives; their experience
needs to be magical.” She also wanted an emphasis on science, and
weather, and practical things.
The site is shaped like a tall E, with buildings in the two spaces in
between, and a long parking lot on the right. Site prep included
removing the internal chain link fence (we kept the perimeter
security fence), all the playground equipment, and many of the
useless sidewalks.
The back yard rested atop a small knoll, and so became the place for
weather instruments and gauges, musical instruments, sun instruments,
a sun catcher, a wood stacking station, loose parts area, large sand
play area with water, collection tables, sensory boxes, a labyrinth,
and an art wall.
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Between the buildings (in the place of the center of the E), a
beautiful little area for infants and young toddlers was created, and
in the front yard, wonderful things happen.
There is a “mountain” with its climbing and jump walls, rock climbing
area, slide and sledding areas, and amphitheater with stage and
arbor. There is a fort, a stream fed from the water play area, sand
and dirt dig areas with archeological finds in each, and a fitness
trail. Raised bed gardens, drinking fountains, tree climbs, rain
gardens, sitting boulders, tree benches, and a lean-to to cap it off.
Dense tree cover provides much-needed shade.
A path planted with numerous trees and shrubs, boulders, and mogul
mazes, links the front and back play areas and provides the children
with a long walk of fun and exploration.
The active Center community wanted to continue with its festivals,
fairs, and graduation activities formerly held on the front lawn, so
the Natural Playgrounds Company is working toward a solution
utilizing a portion of the large, underused parking lot.
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