Smiths Falls Child Development Centre
Smiths Falls Child Development Centre
Smiths Falls, Ontario
Size
4,461 square feet
Year
2024
Age Group
All Ages
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Overview:
A hand-carved log tunnel invites exploration, while chalkboard panels provide opportunities for teaching and learning in a dynamic outdoor classroom setting. Wacky posts, designed to be adaptable, offer endless possibilities for dramatic play, through fort building and balance challenges using ratchet straps to create slack lines, pull-up bars and even swings. A carved log couch, activity table, and stump seating area provide opportunities for quiet contemplative play. Barrier-free, fully accessible log borders are included throughout the play environment.
Designed to harmonize with the local environment, this nature-based space offers children the opportunity to connect with nature in meaningful ways while supporting their developmental growth. Bienenstock also developed a comprehensive drainage plan for the site, implemented to preserve natural play elements and avoid costly damage to the facility, as well as address health and safety concerns.
Background:
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds collaborated with Smiths Falls Child Development Centre to design a nature playscape that fosters inclusive, immersive learning and play for children of all abilities. Serving toddlers, preschoolers, and primary school-aged children, the playscape was created with the centre’s mission in mind—to meet the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs of every child. The playscape features a stump activity table, two-bin sensory table, and the loose part trough and block set to support creative play, as well as a sand area that encourages sensory engagement and motor development.
