A few months ago, I shared with you the privilege of hearing a presentation from Hilda deWolde’s grade 2A class about reimagining our elementary campus’ playground. Part of their proposal included more than just the typical things you find on a school playground. The students decided that natural elements, such as a play forest, needed to be part of the playground design.
And now, the hill behind our elementary campus has been transformed from a plain grassy hill into a play forest for everyone of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
It’s a living classroom, a place for imagination, and a place where our students can connect with God’s creation in meaningful ways. This play forest offers a place for unstructured play, exploring, and discovering.
What’s in our new play forest?
- 24 trees of various species like hemlock, Ginko, Japanese maple, to name a few
- 24 stepping stumps
- ten balance beam logs
- two 6 ft wooden benches
- one 8 ft wobbly bridge
- one 8 ft arch bridge
Research continues to affirm that our students need nature. Learning doesn’t just happen inside the four walls of our school. It happens when children read by a tree, balance on logs, skip across the bridge, notice little insects at the base of a tree, and discover worms under rocks. Children need opportunities to take risks, solve problems, and engage their senses.
This forest didn’t grow on its own. At ACS, we believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and this play forest is a tangible way of our ACS village coming together: from our Drive to Revive supporters, the students who offered ideas and enthusiasm, Timmermans Landscaping who put these ideas into reality, Mr. Koster’s class who cared for the trees and newly sewn grass seed, and the students who will now enjoy this area!
Rather than describing it more, I thought I’d show you a few photos of the forest. Better yet, come by the elementary and walk through the forest yourself!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?