Child Ventures Early Learning Academy
Child Ventures Early Learning Academy
Toronto, Ontario
Year
2024
Age Group
All Ages
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Background:
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds collaborated with Child Ventures Early Learning Academy to create a calm oasis and living landscape along Sheppard Avenue in Toronto, transforming the outdoor space into a dynamic and nature-based playscape. This project offers a variety of play opportunities tailored to the needs of the children, serving as a sanctuary for both active and contemplative play within the urban environment.
Overview
The playscape features a graduated stump cluster for climbing and balance, and multi-use wacky posts that encourage ratchet strap activities, fort building, and dramatic play. A sand area promotes motor development and hands-on exploration, while mud kitchen and two-bin sensory table setups offer creative sensory play experiences. Accessible log borders ensure that children of all abilities can navigate the space, and interactive elements like an acrylic mirror panel, chalkboard, and transparent acrylic panel invite imaginative engagement and learning.
Designed to provide a variety of play experiences, the space includes opportunities for quiet, contemplative play, big body movement, loose parts play, and social and emotional development. Plantings that are well-suited to Toronto’s urban climate zone further enhance the natural beauty and offer year-round interaction with the environment. Child Ventures Early Learning Academy now offers a vibrant, nature-rich space that serves as both a community gathering point and an essential resource for nurturing children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
