Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
Topeka, Kansas
Year
2026
Age Group
All Ages
Have a Project?
Need help getting started, please contact us or check out our resources.
Overview:
As part of a larger site renewal, including new buildings and surrounding spaces, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center set out to reimagine an existing playground nestled alongside a woodland edge.
With a vision to advance a culture shift toward outdoor, child-centered exploration and discovery experiences, the opportunity emerged to build on this foundation and expand how the space could be used. While the site supported active, physical play, there was an opportunity to broaden the experience, creating space for the full spectrum of play.
Working closely with the Discovery Center team, the focus shifted from replacing individual structures to expanding the range of self-directed nature play across the site. Rather than introducing more prescriptive equipment, the playground design emphasizes environments that support child-led play and discovery.
Embracing All Types of Play
The design works within the existing landscape rather than reshaping it. Mature tree canopy is preserved to provide shade and structure, while the adjacent woodland edge continues to frame the space. Reseeded meadow areas and naturalized planting introduce seasonal variation and support local wildlife—strengthening the connection between play and the surrounding ecosystem.
An aging steel climber has been removed and replaced with more open-ended play opportunities. In its place, a wacky post forest and flexible play areas encourage unstructured movement, while slacklines and loose elements will support fort building, gathering, and social interaction. This shift moves away from prescriptive play, creating space for children to use their imagination and shape their own experiences.
The enhancements expand the range of experiences available—supporting social interaction, collaboration, creative and dramatic expression, and quiet contemplation.
