Bethany Christian Schools
Bethany Christian Schools
Goshen, Indiana
Year
2026
Age Group
All Ages
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A Collaborative Vision for Outdoor Learning
At Bethany Christian Schools in Goshen, Indiana, outdoor learning has long been an important part of student life. As the school looked toward revitalizing several outdoor areas the Bethany leadership team saw an opportunity to do more than simply replace aging equipment. They wanted to create a landscape that better supported play, exploration, and outdoor learning for their students.
Bethany’s mission centers on providing a holistic educational experience that prepares students for life, nurturing not only academic success but also social, emotional, and spiritual growth. When the school began exploring improvements to their outdoor spaces, they wanted the design to reflect those same values, supporting connection, creativity, and care for the natural world.
A steering committee including teachers, parents, administrators, and the school’s facilities coordinator worked closely with the Bienenstock design and education teams throughout the planning process. Their commitment to collaboration ensured the final natural playground design reflected the needs of the entire school community.
Graduated Challenges & Spontaneous Social Collaboration
One of the project’s key priorities was addressing the school’s existing climbing structures.
The log climber in the K–2 space required replacement, and at the same time, elements within the 3rd–8th grade area—such as a zipline and other steel structures—no longer aligned with age-appropriate, nature-based play.
Working closely with the school’s team, the design introduces two distinct climbing areas tailored to different age groups. In the K–2 space, a new log climber supports early development, while in the 3–8 area, more complex log climbers offer layered challenges. This space invites younger students to climb and explore, while also providing older students with a place to gather, connect, and engage socially.
Both structures are designed with graduated challenge in mind, offering layered opportunities for children to engage, build confidence, and take on new challenges as they grow.
Quiet Contemplative Play
Through conversations with teachers—particularly the K–2 team—it became clear how essential outdoor environments are for supporting quiet contemplative play.
In response, a quiet, creative nook was integrated into the K–2 area. A sitting and gathering space is woven around the climbing structure, complemented by chalkboard panels and raised decking. Together, these elements create opportunities for storytelling, and moments of calm connection within the landscape.
The Power of Sand and Sensory Play
The school previously lacked a sand space that offered rich opportunities for children in the Kindergarten through Grade 2 age range to build, experiment, and collaborate.
The new sand play environment will support hands-on exploration, cooperative play, and loose parts play, becoming a dynamic and engaging space to the natural playground.
Where Play Becomes Connection
Recognizing that older students are often more drawn to social connection than active play, a dedicated sitting nook was thoughtfully integrated into the landscape. Here, the focus shifts from movement to connection—offering a place to gather, observe, and engage in the quieter rhythms of shared experience.
