Sneak Peek and Workshop: Silver Falls State Park Natural Play Area

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The first phase of the Silver Falls North Canyon Natural Play Area is just about completed! When it opens in spring 2014 young people will be able to play like a cougars, bears and birds. This animal themed natural play area is organized around a 1/4 mile loop path and is envisioned to have over a dozen different animal areas once complete!

SitePlan.aiSite concept plan by GreenWorks PC

Colorful totums mark the play area entrance and each of the play pods around the loop.

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In enjoy the view from the woodpecker nest. This tree is about 6′ diameter and the hollowed out nest is amazing.

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If you can’t wait until next spring and would like a technical, behind the scenes look at the project, how it was designed and the safety and maintenance aspects join us for a workshop next week. Join ORPA and Oregon State Parks at Silver Falls State Park on Wednesday, November 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for hands-on information about Natural Play, including the design, safety, and maintenance of Natural Play areas. With the North Canyon Nature Play Area in Silver Falls State Park just complete, park staff, design consultants, and construction team members are ready and eager to discuss approaches to the project and lessons learned, including:

  • Why natural play was chosen for this site;
  • How safety influenced the design of the natural play area; and
  • Lessons learned from the construction process.