Cathedral Children's Centre
Cathedral Children’s Centre – (HWCCCC)
Year
2024
Age Group
Infant, Toddler & Preschool
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Background:
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds collaborated with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Child Care Centres (HWCCCC) to create a vibrant, nature-based play and learning environment at Cathedral Children’s Centre, located in the heart of downtown Hamilton. This project transformed an urban space into a sanctuary for children, offering opportunities for nature-based play across three distinct, age-specific areas (infant, toddler and preschool), each designed to serve the diverse needs of the child care centre. The design incorporates new plantings indigenous to the local climate zone, including serviceberry multi-stem shrubs, which provide shade, seasonal foliage and living forts.
Overview:
Accessible log borders and natural features ensure that children of all abilities can engage fully with the environment. A dedicated infant space allows for essential time in nature, fostering early interaction with natural elements in a safe and nurturing setting. The infant cruiser/climber meets the physical needs of children in this age group.
The toddler area features a custom stump cluster climber with unique posts, offering independence and big body play opportunities. Wacky posts allow for an endless variety of activities, including dramatic play opportunities and using ratchet straps to create slacklines, pull-up bars and swings. The sand area offers sensory-rich opportunities that children crave. The preschool area is packed full of components that support physical development. The log climber was built for preschoolers to find their place of mastery, promoting motor skills as well as increasing their perseverance, social connections, and confidence. With the addition of a few loose parts, this climber is open to the imaginations of the children expanding their play and development.
Additional features include a log tunnel and sand pit, which encourages loose parts play, sensory exploration, and creativity. This multi-sensory space is designed to support dramatic play, contemplative moments, and physical activity, ensuring an inclusive environment for children of all ages and abilities.
