With only asphalt and turf to play on, this flat schoolyard, part of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB), had no playground and offered little shade, making it a space in desperate need of transformation. Through a comprehensive engagement process, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds worked closely with students, the parent council, and the school board to gather valuable input for a unique playground design that would serve as both a play space and an outdoor learning environment.
Eco-Friendly Natural Playground with natural elements
Background
The design incorporates climbing boulders, rolling hills, and clusters of stumps, offering students plenty of opportunities for physical activity like running, climbing, and jumping. To complement these active spaces, quieter areas like seating spaces, an amphitheatre, and a dedicated gardening area give teachers the flexibility to take lessons outside throughout the school day.
Special attention was paid to selecting native and hardy plant species to ensure that the new space wouldn’t add to the school board’s maintenance costs. Densely planted shrubs and trees now provide much-needed shade and help create a natural buffer between the playground and the bustling Main Street that runs alongside the site.
This 10,000 square foot playground, built in 2017, reflects a thoughtful design that balances the need for play, learning, and environmental sustainability, making it a welcoming space for students of all ages in Hamilton, Ontario.
The Next Step
Join schools across Canada and the U.S. in creating green school grounds for children today and for the next generation. Contact us to start your transformation today.
