The Magic Forest Playscape is open!

Open every day from dawn to dusk

Imagine an outdoor playscape designed with elements from nature creating a whimsical trail that leads through the woods.   Part obstacle course, part path of exploration, our new natural playscape has elements that challenge balance and strength and elements that encourage rest and reflection.   

Work on the Playscape began in the summer of 2020, and after a winter break, work has started anew. Cedar planks are being installed on the main deck of the cabin, and the roof framing will soon be visible. New stairs are being constructed for the high path, and a recently constructed small suspension bridge and balance beam have been thoroughly tested by the local elementary school kids.

Our newest staff member, Nikolas Katrick, led the design process, joined by Senior Educator Jay DeGregorio and board members Rick Cowan and Paul Spector to bring their energy, enthusiasm, and superb building skills to the project.  Together they have moved stones and logs, built a cabin, installed a water pump, built bridges, and so much more.

The photos below show students from the Grafton Elementary School joining us in a special visit to test the elements, give feedback, and help us make our new playscape the best it can be — thank you for helping us develop this interactive outdoor experience at The Nature Museum!

Featured
All of us at The Nature Museum have been dreaming of a multi-faceted playspace for children to explore amidst the woods and meadow. The unique circumstances of 2020-21 have allowed our vision to come to life.

All of us at The Nature Museum have been dreaming of a multi-faceted playspace for children to explore amidst the woods and meadow. The unique circumstances of 2020-21 have allowed our vision to come to life.

The naturalist cabin sits at the edge of the woods and overlooks the Chapman Meadow, where a new wetland feature is being considered.

The naturalist cabin sits at the edge of the woods and overlooks the Chapman Meadow, where a new wetland feature is being considered.

Kids can test their balance on logs or jump the stumps! Make a mud pie on the stone table or practice weaving on one of the outdoor looms.

Kids can test their balance on logs or jump the stumps! Make a mud pie on the stone table or practice weaving on one of the outdoor looms.

The playscape pump provides plenty of water for interactive play. Anyone ready for a mud cake?

The playscape pump provides plenty of water for interactive play. Anyone ready for a mud cake?

Rock bars, chain saws, a few hours with an excavator, and many hours of skilled craftsmanship have all been used to shape an experiential trail that blends beautifully with the natural environment.

Rock bars, chain saws, a few hours with an excavator, and many hours of skilled craftsmanship have all been used to shape an experiential trail that blends beautifully with the natural environment.

The Playscape strives to give people of all ages a healthy sensory experience in nature.

The Playscape strives to give people of all ages a healthy sensory experience in nature.

The best part? The trail forms a loop, and there’s something new to discover with each pass.

The best part? The trail forms a loop, and there’s something new to discover with each pass.

A tree looms is ready to weave with natural materials.

A tree looms is ready to weave with natural materials.

There’s a winding goat path for climbers, a smooth path for all abilities, and benches and seats set along the way for rest.

There’s a winding goat path for climbers, a smooth path for all abilities, and benches and seats set along the way for rest.

New stone steps on path.JPG
Nick & Hollow Logs.JPG
Screen Shot 2020-12-11 at 11.43.50 AM.png
Screen Shot 2020-12-11 at 11.44.07 AM.png
Screen Shot 2020-12-11 at 11.47.34 AM.png
IMG_20210408_151226874.jpeg



eaddy suttonhomepage2 Comments