The staff and parents of the Beacon Hill Nursery School embraced the idea of providing the young students, most living in the surrounding urban neighborhoods, with access to a natural play space and learning environment.The design transformed a small, asphalted parcel (about the size of a half-basketball court), enclosed on 4 sides by buildings, into a natural environment that includes sand and water play, gardening, a climbing and rolling hill, and a stage for performances. A path winds through the space, connecting activity and seating areas and providing an accessible emergency exit.
With the goal of using natural materials, sculptors were brought in to craft wood and stone play elements—stages, forts, climbing logs, water sprays customized to fit the tight space and fulfill all safety requirements. The resulting yard invites children to play in an open-ended way while learning and interacting with nature.
