Post written by ACG programs apprentice, Pearl Pincus
“Reba, why are the stumps no longer in the ground?” I asked. “You can ask him that,” she answered, gesturing towards a four-year-old who was busy digging in the soil. For the rest of the time the preschool class was there, I got regular reports on the worm he had discovered underneath the stump and had taken under his care. This discovery was possible with the creation of the nature play space I made for my intern project this summer. After touring the Children’s garden at the Matthaei Garden in Ann Arbor and learning about nature play through my classes, I felt inspired to create a similar space in the Garden.
Nature play is open-ended play with natural elements, and often takes place in nature-settings. Nature play can involve loose parts like sticks and rocks, as well as bigger structures like logs that encourage larger body movement. Unlike traditional play equipment, there is no single way for the space and materials to be used. This encourages kids to use their creativity, access risk, and problem-solve. Additionally, it helps children be curious and comfortable with the natural world and build a connection with nature.
Within the Garden, the stump circle provided the perfect location for a nature play area, because it is nestled into the woodland and already has stumps kids can step between. To begin my project, I researched different nature-play materials and set-ups. Then, with funding from the Friends, I ordered the materials we didn’t already have in the garden such as wooden boxes and kids’ watering cans. Other materials like metal bowls and ladles were bought from Goodwill. From the garden, I found sticks, rocks, bark, pinecones, juniper berries, and seashells (from the shed).
The best projects are often collaborative, and I am happy so many others were able to contribute to the project. Isaac also cut some slices of tree trunk from trees we had to take down so they could live a second life as part of the nature play space. He also surprised me one morning with the fairy wishing stump which now hangs on the fence inside. David, a Friends of Allen Centennial Garden board member was kind to contribute wooden logs to the project to create more stepping areas and a balance beam/bench structure.
Hans (Director Reba’s four-year-old) helped me determine how far apart the log sections should be placed, letting me know if they should be further or closer. “Not far enough!” He proclaimed as he proceeded to fall on the ground. It is always the most fun if you aren’t entirely sure if you can make it. The badger volunteers later helped me dig the logs into the ground. After everything was in place, I wrote a sign to make people feel welcome and understand how to use the space. Everything was perfect!
Everything was perfect! Until it stormed. The next morning I came in to see that some of the wooden boxes had broken at the seams, spilling out seashells and pinecones. Though I was disappointed, I was able to fix the situation by utilizing the extra plastic planter containers the garden has. The plastic and drainage holes would make them hold up better to future rains. Besides, we have so many of them already on hand, making it a sustainable solution.
Since it was set up, the nature-play area has been used by many children and families. Earlier in the summer, Han’s preschool class came in to test the area. That is when I learned that if you want the stumps to stay in place, you better bury them more than an inch or two. However, discovering worms and rolly pollies is so exciting that I decided not to re-bury them so other kids can flip them over and see who is crawling around. It was awesome to see all the different ways the space got used and the creative ideas they had. Popular activities included making nature soup, jumping between stumps, and putting water on various surfaces.
I also learned from the teachers how we can improve. They suggest we construct, or provide supplies for kids to build, semi-enclosed structures. I also got feedback that we need more shade – unfortunately, the Catalpa tree that was supposed to shade the area died due to disease. The teacher also suggested we buy more duplicates of some supplies, especially with a larger group of kids.
Overall, the whole process has been rewarding and fun for me. As a landscape architecture major, I do many designs for classes that never turn into real spaces. Through this internship project, I have gained first-hand experience in getting feedback from people, designing within a budget, and coming up with solutions when problems arise. Seeing kids interact with the area in ways I hadn’t even thought of is one of my favorite parts. I can’t wait to see how the nature-play space continues to be used and improved in the future!
Want to make your own nature-play space? I suggest you begin by gathering supplies you can find around outside (sticks, rocks, acorns, etc.). If you want to include it, bowls, ladles, and other containers that can be used in combination with natural elements can be easily sourced from most thrift stores. Playing with water is always a favorite, so including a water source is ideal. For the nature-play space in the garden, I used a camping water container I refill from the rain barrel when it’s out. There is a lot of inspiration that can be found online to create nature-play areas on many scales, but the most important is to experiment and try things that work within your space and the people who will use it. Visit the Allen Centennial nature play area in the woodland to have fun and get inspired!