At the client’s direction, the intent of the Discovery Forest at the Lichterman Nature Center was to build profound connections between community members and the natural world. Guided by the philosophy to “touch and be touched by nature,” the playscape encourages play through the thoughtful design of nature based exploration stations that encourage handing and manipulating natural materials such as sticks, seeds, and stone found throughout the forest. These play features also encourage cooperative play and socializing to help foster a ‘tribe’ of like-minded individuals who come to visit.

The journey unfolds through uniquely themed zones connected by an accessible trail that spark imagination and discovery. At the Squirrel Cafe, children engage in creative role-play at a Nature Lab and log tables, interacting with loose parts from a plant bursary. The Frog Palace invites adventure where an existing ‘Grotto’ was transformed into an imaginative play area along with pulley systems, a scavenger hunt for hidden frog sculptures, all while ensuring inclusivity with features like an ADA seat within a gravel dig pit.  For quieter moments, the Fox Gathering area offers a central hub with a forest library, art, and comfortable seating.

Each space is thoughtfully crafted to blend playful learning with the rustic textures of the outdoors, creating a dynamic environment where families can gather, explore, and deepen their relationship with the natural environment together.