Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver Museum of Nature & Science – Nature Play
Size
4 Acre Multigenerational & Multi-sensory Natural Play Experience
Year
2024
Age Group
All Ages
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Background
After a decade of collaboration with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to frame the project, meet with the community, develop the design brief and in the last few years work with Denver Parks and Recreation, and Dig Studio Inc to partner on the final design, it is very gratifying to see our work come to life.
The design brief and conceptual framework we developed reflects the ecosystems of Colorado through a playful landscape. These ecosystems follow a completely revamped DeBoer Waterway. The new natural playscape winds through Olmsted’s original arboretum in City Park from the Museum to the old lily pond along the way.
This new experience is free, accessible and open to the public, year round.
Overview
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds then worked in a collaborative environment with a “super team” of landscape architects, designers and engineers to facilitate an innovative authentic nature experience that transverses individual engagement zones representing the continuum of biomes present in Colorado.
The nature trail that connects each ecozone transverses a meandering naturalized creek that follows the original course of the DeBoer Waterway from the early 1900s. The engagement zones include components, or families of components that emulate the terrain of each biome being represented and run the gamut with regards to full sensory engagement.Sideways trees, log climber, wacky posts and boulder trails are available for gross motor stimulation while sand and water are sure to stimulate the quiet, contemplative and creative proclivities of children on-site. Our Giraffe Swings over a vestibular engagement opportunity and ensure that play of every type is available.
The project in its entirety marks an innovative approach to tying ecological identity together with play and offers children (and parents alike) the opportunity to learn and engage with their environment at a meaningful level.
From a built environment perspective the park installation brings the dioramas from the third floor of the museum to life outside in City Park. For the community, this is the culmination of over a decade of careful public consultation with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds gathering their ideas and experiences into the project’s guiding documents. And for the children of Denver and beyond, the park provides an immersive sensory experience in nature filled with art, play and ecology to delight and learn in for generations to come.
Testimonial
“From the very beginning, Nature Play has been shaped by the hopes and dreams of the Denver community,” said George Sparks, president and CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “…we’re so excited to open Nature Play, a new unique and iconic play area where community members of all ages and abilities will be able to celebrate Colorado’s rich ecosystem and play together.”
Kids playing in Denver Museum of Nature and Science Nature Play area
