Creating a nature playground in your park is more than installing logs and boulders — it’s a collaborative, community-focused process that blends safety, accessibility, ecology, and fun!

By adding thoughtfully designed natural play elements, an ordinary section of your park can become an immersive play space! Children can climb, explore, and play imaginatively. With every visit, kids can engage with nature, challenge themselves, and experience the joy of outdoor play. At Learning Landscapes Design, we work with Parks Providers to guide every step of the design process. We make engaging, inclusive, and nature-based play spaces that inspire exploration and bring communities together.

See below for 10 steps to design a nature playground in your park!

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Grant-funded natural playground at an Oregon preschool in Salem

10 Steps

Parks Providers Should Take to Design a Nature-Inspired Playground

1) Gather the Team

Successful nature playgrounds begin with assembling the right team to guide the project from a vision to completion. Parks providers bring together staff from maintenance, recreation, and planning departments, along with landscape architects, and other key stakeholders, to ensure all perspectives are considered. This early collaboration helps clarify project objectives, define roles and responsibilities, and set priorities for budget, timeline, and community engagement. By involving staff who will manage and maintain the playground, the team can identify operational and maintenance considerations such as safety and long-term upkeep. Bringing together the right expertise and stakeholders from the start fosters clear communication, efficient decision-making, and a unified approach.

2) Define the Intent, Goals and Vision of the Space

Before a single log is placed or boulder positioned, it’s essential to clearly define the nature playground’s purpose and overall vision. Establishing design intent ensures that every decision aligns with a cohesive goal that meets both community and operational needs. Designers work with community members and staff to identify the core objectives of the nature playground, which may include: encouraging physical activity, promoting inclusive play for children of all abilities, fostering outdoor learning, and/or supporting ecological restoration and habitat creation. A well-defined vision provides a roadmap for the entire project. This vision will guide concept development, design decisions, and construction, while ensuring the nature playground ultimately serves as a safe, engaging, and inspiring destination for the community.

3) Assess Existing Site Features

A thorough site assessment is essential for designing a nature playground that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. Parks providers evaluate trees, slopes, soils, drainage, existing vegetation, wildlife habitats, and cultural or historical resources to identify opportunities and constraints. This analysis ensures sensitive ecological and cultural areas are protected, mature trees are preserved, and natural features are thoughtfully incorporated into the nature playground design to support safe, imaginative, and engaging nature play. By understanding the land and its cultural context, designers can create a safe, ecologically responsible, and engaging nature playground that maximizes both play value and community connection.

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Learning Landscapes Design

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Learning Landscapes Design imaginative play

4) Develop a Concept Design

This is where imagination and thoughtful planning come together to bring a nature playground design to life. Using insights from the community, park staff, and detailed site analysis, designers craft a concept plan that turns ideas into a playable vision. Elements are thoughtfully positioned such as climbing boulders, winding paths, water features, logs, sand, and native plantings to spark curiosity, encourage adventure, and invite children of all abilities to explore and take safe risks. These types of features promote unstructured, hands-on play; stimulate problem-solving; engage all of the senses; and provide opportunities for social interaction, cooperative play, and quiet reflection. At the same time, the design should incorporate safety, accessibility, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.

5) Develop Construction Drawings

Before construction begins, detailed Construction Documents are prepared to guide contractors and park staff to build the nature playground. These documents include technical drawings, construction details, and material specifications to ensure that every element of the nature playground aligns with the design intent and operational requirements. In addition, designers work closely with park staff to prepare permitting materials that support compliance with local regulations, and a bid set of materials that selects the contractor to build the work. By developing construction documents, coordinating permitting, and reviewing bids, the team sets the stage for a smooth, accurate, and efficient construction process.

6) Ensure Safety and Compliance

Safety is a critical consideration in every nature playground. Designers at Learning Landscapes Design develop plans that align with ASTM standards and CPSC public playground safety guidelines. The design accounts for factors such as fall zones, safety surfacing materials, equipment placement, accessibility and inclusivity. The design balances risk with the sense of adventure and exploration that makes nature play unique. Parks and recreation staff play a crucial role in maintaining surfaces and features, and ensuring ongoing safe use. By embedding safety into the nature playground design from the outset, designers provide a framework that allows children to engage confidently with natural elements.

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Elma Heastart_Learning Landscapes Design Play Meadow

7) Construction Installation

Coordinating construction and installation is where the nature playground becomes a reality. Designers work closely with park staff, contractors, and fabricators to ensure every element is built according to the approved plan and construction documents. This includes natural play features like boulders, logs, pathways, water elements, and plantings. Attention is given not only to accuracy and safety during installation but also to practicality for long-term maintenance. Regular communication and oversight throughout the construction process helps address any site-specific challenges, keep the project on schedule, and maintain alignment with the community’s vision.

8) Maintenance and Stewardship Guidance

Ongoing care is key to ensuring a nature playground remains safe, engaging, and vibrant over time. Parks providers will receive guidance from designers on proper maintenance practices, including regular inspections of surfaces, play features, and natural elements. This support will help staff identify potential safety concerns, manage wear and tear, and sustain the ecological features that make the nature playground unique. By following these stewardship practices, parks department can protect their investment, extend the life of the nature playground, and maintain a space.

9) Pre-Opening Audit

Before opening the nature playground to the public, parks providers conduct a pre-opening audit to ensure all elements meet safety, accessibility, and design standards. This includes verifying the proper installation of natural features, play equipment, surfacing, and pathways. This audit also confirms that inclusive and operational requirements have been met. Parks teams can perform this audit by hiring a qualified third-party Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) to provide an independent review. Any adjustments or corrections identified during the audit are addressed by the construction crew prior to opening, ensuring the nature playground is safe, functional, and ready for children to explore.

10) Celebrate and Launch the Playground!

Once construction is complete, the nature playground becomes a vibrant centerpiece for the community, offering a space where children can explore, play, and connect with nature. Parks providers often host ribbon-cutting events or community celebrations to introduce the nature playground and highlight its unique features. These events not only generate excitement and community pride but also encourage families, educators, and local organizations to engage with the space from the start. By celebrating the opening, the nature playground immediately becomes a cherished community destination, ready to provide years of adventure, learning, and memorable experiences for children and families alike.

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10 Steps