This site on hospital grounds had lots going for it. It is adjacent to walk-through woods in the back, so we made sure to provide easy links to the woods trails, and many of the large pines were left standing within the fenced-in playground area. The existing playground had been around a long time and was tired. The primarily sandy ground cover was causing enormous issues in the winter (it got wet, then froze solid, thus providing an unforgiving fall surface), and sand was tracked everywhere in the building, which increased maintenance costs. Further, it was ugly, and everyone was aware of the poor impression the site was making on the children and their parents. The staff wanted and director wanted something very much nicer. They envisioned a play environment in which both learning and lots of fun play could take place.

The Natural Playgrounds Company gave the staff its very comprehensive questionnaire, and based on that input and the existing characteristics of the site, a very neat, creative design was developed including: water themes (incorporating one small sailboat the kids loved) gardens big sand play areas embankment slides forts trike paths labyrinths decks for play amphitheaters a tree house infant play pod

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