Oregon Episcopal School Natural Playground

Portland, Oregon | Student-Led Playground Design

The Vision

Following a major building renovation, Oregon Episcopal School wanted a natural playground that matched the quality of its new upper elementary campus. With playground improvements removed from the original construction budget, the school saw an opportunity to create an exceptional outdoor environment that reflected its hands-on, project-based learning philosophy.

A Student-Led Design Process

Learning Landscapes Design developed and led an eight-session STEM-based design program, giving students a meaningful role in shaping their playground. Working alongside LLD’s landscape architects, students explored potential play features, surveyed their school community, analyzed preferences, created scaled maps, and developed their own playground designs.

Students presented their proposals to school leadership, and LLD incorporated elements from their designs into a cohesive concept plan. This collaborative process gave students ownership of the project while introducing them to real-world design, problem-solving, and community engagement.

Balancing Active and Quiet Play

One of the greatest challenges was accommodating a wide range of play preferences within a confined site. The resulting natural playscape features climbing towers, bridges, tunnels, imaginative play areas, and opportunities for sand and sensory play.

A particularly unique feature emerged from students who wanted somewhere peaceful to read rather than participate in active games. Working with these students, LLD designed a custom reading boat featuring hammock-style netting, built-in benches, surrounding plantings, and a shade sail. Careful placement created a quiet retreat alongside the more energetic play spaces.

The completed playground balances physical challenges, imaginative exploration, social interaction, and quiet reflection, offering something for students with different interests and play styles.

A Playground Students Could Call Their Own

On opening day, the student design team gathered inside the school to reveal the completed playground. As the cafeteria blinds opened, the school community cheered at the sight of their new outdoor space.

For the students who helped design it, the playground was more than a new school amenity. It was something they had imagined, developed, and helped bring to life for their younger peers—a lasting expression of student creativity and ownership.

Project Details

Client: Oregon Episcopal School

Location: Portland, Oregon

Project Type: Upper Elementary Natural Playground and Student-Led Design

Design: 2016

Construction Completed: 2018

Construction Cost: $225,000

Learning Landscapes Design Services:

• Eight-session student STEM design curriculum
• School community engagement workshop
• Playground programming and concept design
• Cost estimating
• Landscape architectural construction documents
• Construction support