My Dream Destinations: Greenburgh Nature Center
This dream destination may be a bit more reasonable of a destination. It is in the US! I love the forms of this nature themed play structure. It reminds me of some of the Kukuk Structures. It is set in a very natural setting and rounds out the nature center’s offerings well.
“Stop by and see our beautiful, one of a kind nature playscape. The Nature’s Discovery Playground is a unique, nature-themed playground designed to engage children in outdoor exploration and discovery. This recreation area serves children ages 2 – 12 and provides a variety of play elements intended to mimic the natural environment. We are committed to ensuring that today’s generation enjoys creative play in the outdoors, connecting children to the wonder and awe of nature.”
– From the Greenburgh Nature CenterWebsite
This must be a custom built piece. Look at the fun spacing of the railing pickets. The detailed cut outs of the play house windows are really unique and nice nature shapes too. The hexagonal posts they use for climbing on the left below are interesting reflections of logs without the unpredictable nature of logs. Overall it is a beautifully designed and built play structure.
That looks like fun! However, it is mostly just typical play equipment (slightly re-wrapped) placed in a natural setting. Infinitely better than being set in a rubber surface, but I see very little authentic play happening WITH nature. It is play in nature, but not play with nature — and as such seems unlikely to create much of a child/nature bond.
I agree, and for exactly for that reason I was surprised that I liked it so much! I guess I decided to include it because it was added to round out the nature center’s offerings. As a parent of a three year old I understand how important some purely physical activity can be to creating a happy toddler. I think the forms also could lead to some imaginative play. Thanks for your comment Ken.