In their dedication to getting “every child Kindergarten ready” Sound to Harbor Head Start in Rainer, WA takes education beyond the classroom into their outdoor spaces. The teachers and staff wanted to provide a space outside that allows kids to continue to explore, play, and learn. The new playscape blends existing site elements with new climbing, imaginative, sensory, and quite/reflective areas. A planted play hill is a natural backdrop for the slide, boulder scramble, and log climbing area. A trike track weaves through the site, over a bridge and past a boat, connecting the different play areas. Providing places for more passive play are a labyrinth and fairy garden. Sand, water, a dry creek bed, and nature lab cater to a more sensory rich play experience. Imaginative play opportunities are spread throughout the site including playhouses, a stage, a boat, a stone animal den, and a gathering circle. The new playscape meets the goals of the staff and program managers of continuing to educate the kids outdoors, but don’t tell the kids, to them it’s just play.

PROJECT INFO

Construction Cost – $90,000
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