The Eden Project in Cornwall is build in a disused clay mine in the UK. It has been transforming it into a rich, global garden where people can learn about nature and get inspiration about the world around them. They have a wide variety of wonderful spaces and services. But, what caught my eye was this log house. Made from a single Oak Log it is the ultimate fairy play house. You can click here for a fun series of photos showing the transformation […]
I have been looking into the quality of play world wide. It is intrinsically tied back to the quality of life. After seeing a few saddening international orphanage playground photos, I wondered who was doing good work for this population. And in steps the wonderful architecture firm out of Trondheim Norway called TYIN tegnestue. Their […]
I have been on a global (web) search for the perfect hand pump for a sand and water feature on a playground. It will be a water source for a public playground sand and water feature. The pump limits the amount of water being used and gives the kids more exercise! My Requirements:– Must be […]
Can we bring ourselves to detach from the sterile play chips and rubber of the playground? Can we remove ourselves from the concept of intensive maintenance, mowing, and clear sight lines? Large, flat, and clean! From Landscapeonline.com I know it can be a scary concept for some, but letting our playspaces go wild may have […]
After feeling pretty isolated in struggles to implement natural play I have started a group to talk about Natural Play in Oregon. The Oregon Natural Play Initiative consists of a core group and an advisory group of people that in 2011- 2012 will meet and develop a set of Standards for Natural Play in Oregon. […]
“Today, Skyline School generated 0.9 Kilowatt-hours of electricity. This could power A typical video game system for 1 day.” See other real time data at Solar 4 R Schools. “March 28 was a busy Monday at Skyline, as we combined students returning from Spring Break with the successful installation of a 90 foot tower topped […]
This is a fast moving and exciting natural play project in North Portland. The Pathfinder Academy is an amazing program. Their students are engaged, staff supportive, and they draw dedicated volunteers and positive energy from their community. I just finished working up these two site plans for their play area. It is located in a […]
I am a landscape architect, I know plant, I love plants. But, I am always a little nervous about using the right plant in playscapes. That is why I like this tool so much. You can search by state, region, zone, plant type, etc. I do not rely completely on this list. I check Oregon […]
I could have an entire blog about the schools and parks I saw in Berlin. They were inspiring and really opened my mind to the wide world of play. I have since realized just how different the safety standards are in the EU and the US. This Adventure Playground in Berlin has it all; animals, […]
Check out these creations from Myburgh Designs. I also found this inspiring quote on their website. ” The slower you move the slower life passes and the more you see. The quicker you move, the quicker life passes and the less you see.” Most of my projects are public and quasi-public design (childcare centers and […]
Playground embankment slides and hills are some of the top requested elements for natural playscapes. Dare I say they are a bit of a flagship item in people’s minds. If you picture a grass hill that is perpetually green and mowed (by someone else 😉 that never erodes and is forever safe and fun it […]
Wow! i ran into this organization recently and I love their work. The colorful playgrounds are shadowed by the smiling faces and opportunities offered to children in these communities. Seeing the before and after pictures gives me a great respect for the work that this organization does. They operate under this byline “We build […]
If you are interested in hearing more about natural playgrounds join one of these upcoming webinars. I would be interested to hear your feedback! Play Everyday For A Healthy Brain!Tuesday, February 22, 2011 – 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ESTThe brain NEEDS play! The human brain is an amazing and complex organ that allows each […]
THE PROJECTS Kids in the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District will soon have three new playgrounds to enjoy. The parks district is replacing old and out of date equipment at Forest Hills Park, Raleigh Hills Park and John Marty Park as part of their capital improvement projects. GreenWorks is helping THPRD develop playground designs and solicit feedback from the public. Along with […]
Auburn University Nature Play Area Shortly after my last post on animal houses I received this link from a colleague. Auburn University has completed a natural play area focused on providing an opportunity for families to explore the outdoors. Kaboom’s cool playgrounds site says, “The playground represents an effort to combat Nature Deficit Disorder in […]
I have seen a lot of school greening, learning garden, and playground projects. But, the design and intentions of this one caught my eye. The simplicity of the structures is great. They used land form and vegetation to create extra interest. The Basics: School: Merrylee Primary School UK Importance: First School in Scottland with a […]
Natural learning landscapes get our bodies moving, they inspire creativity, instill a connection to nature, connect us to our food and foster mental, physical, and emotional development. Sometimes I take these concepts for granted and wanted to back up and expose some of the roots of the learning landscape tree. The Seed: Joan Gussow The […]
I think we all know where we have come from; the streams, forests, beaches and wild lots in our lives. But discerning where we are going is a little harder. From where I sit, at my desk on a Friday evening as coworkers are slowly giving in to the weekend, the road looks exciting but undefined. The Oregon […]
You may have always wondered what animal houses may be like from the inside. Kids and their families in the Chicago area may be able to answer some of your questions after visiting the Morton Arboretum’s Animal Houses. The Morton Arboretum in Illinois is know widely for its 1,700 acre outdoor museum and arboretum that […]
The children at the Clackamas Community College Early Head Start have already decided that the blue surfacing that their new embankment slide exits onto is the ‘pond’. Lots of little eyes look onto the frozen playground waiting for the construction fencing to come down and play to begin! THE BACKGROUND CONCEPTSThe Clackamas Community Children’s Commission […]
As a Landscape Architect at GreenWorks, I get the chance to work on projects for many local public schools. I am often amazed at how much Portland area students know about rainwater. To some of them the terms rain garden, infiltration, and combined sewer are household words. A few years ago, in a 5th grade […]
I use the following picture a lot when I talk with clients. I think it is interesting and a good mix of natural wood and rope. I like the idea of kids being able to feel like they are climbing a tree. The layering of pieces is challenging and can inspire endless creative play. There […]
At the Cedar Song Nature School on Vashon Island what might sound like a nightmare to some is a treat for a small group of preschool students. 3-5 year old students attend this unique preschool based completely outdoors. I had never seen anything like it. This is an amazing, low cost, and extremely hands on […]
DanFoss Universe in Denmark is amazing. It was a day excursion on our recent vacation to Denmark. This hands-on Science Center, based mostly outside, is captivating around every corner. While it would be a stretch to call it nature play it is an amazing learning space for all ages.You get so rolled up in the […]
Sometimes you have to travel half way around the world to meet someone from your backyard. I had the pleasure of meeting Sharon Danks in Berlin at one of Frode Svane’s study trips on natural play. Sharon has been working on schoolyard design in Berkley. She is energetic and inspiring, I am sure her new […]
The Boxerwood Nature Center in Lexington VA has an impressive play and learning area for kids. I think their approach address their mission well, “to educate and inspire people of all ages toward becoming successful and environmentally responsible stewards of the earth.” The play trail is only one stop on a system of trails that […]
After a few months of intensive design, the children at the Clackamas Community College’s Early Head Start are starting to see their playground take shape. Little hands grasping the chain link construction fence and eyes set on the excavator, they wait patiently as the sea of bark chips is replaced with a natural area for creative play. Construction manager Stephanie […]
Berlin is an amazing city in many ways; architecture, transportation and learning landscapes! In June 2010 I had the opportunity to join Frode Svane’s study trip of Berlin Playscapes. It was an inspiring 4 days with thousands of new photos and ideas. I would highly recommend any of Frode’s study-trips if you are interested in […]
Silver Falls State Park has been taking advantage of the nice weather the last few weeks and they have begun to clear and grade the natural play areas and interpretive path. With the help of the county inmate work crew and a few dedicated volunteers they have transplanted many native plants, cleared 5 play areas […]
I always enjoy interpretation that is not just a sign; something interactive and telling without making you stand there and read. I think the mini smelter BBQ adds this element in George Rogers Park. The small replica of the historic iron furnace gives residents a chance to cook up their own fire! We also put […]
