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Inspiring Designs for Outdoor Learning and Nature Playscapes

Design of Natural Playgrounds & Outdoor Learning Environments

For Early Childhood, Schools, Parks, and Family Destinations Across the U.S.

Learning Landscapes Design is a landscape architecture firm specializing in nature playscapes, inclusive playgrounds, outdoor learning environments, and natural playground design for early childhood programs, parks, schools, nonprofits, and public agencies nationwide.

Our work blends child development, play theory, ecological systems, and real-world implementation to create outdoor spaces where people of all ages can explore, connect, and thrive.

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WHAT WE DO

Designing Play & Learning Spaces Beyond the Playground Catalog

We design outdoor environments that move beyond conventional equipment to support open-ended play, inclusion, and connection to place—at both intimate and community scales.

Our core areas of work include:

  • Nature Playscapes & Natural Playgrounds
    Nature-rich play environments using landform, water, planting, loose parts, and natural materials to invite curiosity, creativity, and meaningful risk.

  • Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments
    Purpose-designed outdoor spaces for preschools, childcare, and schools that extend learning beyond the classroom and support daily use.

  • Inclusive & Sensory Play Spaces
    Thoughtfully designed environments that welcome children and caregivers of all abilities, ages, and sensory needs.

  • Parks & Public Space Playgrounds
    Nature-based playgrounds and play-forward landscapes for parks, housing developments, campuses, and civic spaces that serve whole communities.

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WHY NATURE-BASED PLAY

Play Is Essential Infrastructure

Nature-based play environments support:

  • Physical development and coordination

  • Social connection and collaboration

  • Emotional regulation and resilience

  • Creative thinking and problem solving

  • Lifelong relationships with the natural world

In parks and public spaces, these environments become community anchors—places where families gather, neighbors connect, and inclusive play is visible and valued.

Our natural playground design work are grounded in research, observation, and years of built experience across diverse climates, communities, and regulatory frameworks.

OUR APPROACH

Thoughtful, Collaborative, and Buildable

Great play spaces are not one-size-fits-all. They emerge from listening, iteration, and care.

  • We Listen First
    Every project begins with understanding the users, community, site, and goals.

  • We Design with Intention
    Each element supports developmental, social, and experiential outcomes—not just aesthetics.

  • We Design for Reality
    Accessibility, safety, maintenance, budgets, climate, and permitting are integrated from the start.

  • We Deliver Buildable Solutions
    Clear documentation and constructible details allow local contractors and agencies to implement the work with confidence.

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preschool nature play area

WORKING NATIONWIDE

Local Sensitivity, National Reach

Learning Landscapes Design works with:

  • Public agencies and park districts

  • Early childhood providers

  • Private Schools, PTA’s, and school systems

  • Nonprofits and community organizations

  • Developers and housing partners

Our projects span urban parks, rural communities, schoolyards, childcare campuses, and public gathering spaces across the United States—each responding to its unique environmental, cultural, and regulatory context.

While our studios are based in Oregon and Wisconsin, our work is national in scope.

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TRUSTED EXPERTISE

You’ll work with a team that brings:

  • Licensed landscape architects

  • Certified Playground Safety Inspectors

  • Deep experience in early childhood and public-realm play

  • A collaborative, research-informed design process

We regularly support projects navigating ASTM safety guidelines, ADA requirements, licensing standards, permitting, public bidding processes, and long-term maintenance considerations—helping clients move from vision to reality.

Meet the Team

Let’s Create Places for Play, Learning, and Community

Whether you’re planning:

  • A natural playground design for a park 

  • A new early childhood campus

  • A community play space or public plaza

  • Or a reimagined outdoor learning environment

We’d love to hear about your project and explore how we can help.

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