The teachers and staff at Elma wanted to provide a safe and unique place for the children to play and were envisioning a Head Start Nature Playground. Their goal was to let their children explore the natural elements, no matter how much rain is in the forecast! Sound to Harbor Head Start is a preschool for limited income families located in Elma, WA just south of the Olympic National Forest. It is naturally rich with diverse flora and fauna. Learning Landscapes was brought in to help turn the playscape concept into a build-able design.  

Head Start Nature Playground Results

Their new playscape weaves natural materials, imaginative components, and sensory experiences to create a rich and dynamic play experience. Log balancing beams and bridges, a boulder scramble up the hill side, and a quiet stone animal den compose the climbing area. Tucked under a large tree, the imaginative area sets the scene for endless hours of make-believe in the bird’s nest, stage, and fort building area. A trike track connects these areas as it traverses over a bridge and under willow tunnels. A nature lab, sand table, and sensory fence further enhance the learning experience and allow kids to become more in tune with the natural elements.

PROJECT INFO

Construction Cost – $110,000
Date of Completion – 2018
Services Provided – Landscape Architectural Concept Design, Cost Estimating, Construction Documents and Construction Assistance
Project Team – Learning Landscapes Design, All Natural Additions

If you like the project you might also like The Deschutes Children’s Foundation Project.