A natural way to look at the play yard is to look at it as a series of play and use zones. Each zone supports different activities. What we choose and how we arrange chosen elements and features improves the functions of those activities and spaces.
Proposed Improvements
Proposed Improvements by Play and Use Zone
Movement Play Field
This part of the property is multi functional. All day long it is our outdoor movement class room where students play games all year round. After school, the entire school uses the space for pick up class staging.
Improve drainage and stability of play field
Evaluate, repair or replace fence
Assess conditions of storage sheds and overall storage needs
Look closely at adjacent uses such as the bike racks, dumpster, crossing area and pick up flow.
Recognize the community access point to the Municipal trail system.
Event and Gathering Space
Often used to increase the range of play during recess or movement class, this corner, in addition to the playfield, is reserved to hold our entire community during Festival of Courage, Lantern Walk, Spiral Walk and Mayfest.
Improve drainage and stability of event and gathering area
Evaluate, repair or replace fence
Include ADA connectivity
Construct a multi-purpose custom structure to serve as a covered stage, outdoor learning platform and upper grade hang out corner.
Platform shown is only 210sf. Final design will size appropriately to consider class plays & performances and more.
Idea : engineer a permanent sleeve for the May pole.
Early Grades Play Area
Having a quieter, intimate play area that is age appropriate for those with smaller hands and big imaginations is a key element to Waldorf education. This is our opportunity to create a more enclosed space for this purpose.
Include in design scope considerations to adjust swale and engineer locations for rain gardens.
Parent volunteers to:
Construct a sturdy immovable timber feature such as a boat
Construct a larger, sturdy mud kitchen
Create boundaries using a combination of timber archways, gates, hedging and willow fedging
Evaluate and adjust play house and sandbox as needed.
Swinging, Balance, Climbing & Spinning Play Zone
Equipment shown is suggested. Equipment costs will be of consideration and will be prioritized
Select equipment with community input being mindful of our guiding principles.
Design space to allow equipment to be phased in if necessary.
Adjust boulder locations if required
Fill in or fence off low spot and plant densely with spruce trees.
Provide inclusive access.
Parkour Obstacle Course
Hanging Somersault Bars
Cocowave Pendulum Swing
Inclusive Twister
Imaginary and Nature Play
This area was improved as part of the 2019 site improvements.
Practice good maintenance
Improve access to oval
Plant a willow fedge along backside of sidewalk to help keep balls from rolling down the driveway.
Consider adding a small shelter to anchor east end play yard recess supervision.
Determine if and where additional 'loose parts' storage is appropriate.
Outdoor Learning and Food Gardens
Construct a compost bin for garden & chicken waste.
Implement a borrow and return system for recess tools & toys.
Add seating and picnic tables
Outdoor Oven
Garden Carts and Tools
Borrow Storage
Compost
Honor & Welcome Garden
Parent Volunteers to:
Build a wood facade on Fire Gate to help keep balls from rolling away down the driveway.
Integrate a Welcome Arch into the play yard
Build planters with attached benches to catch sun for lunch seating
Community to :
Formalize honor garden by installing information placards and seating for contemplation
Commit to a day of caring in the spring and fall to tend gardens with support from the greater community.
Living Willow Fence
Living Willow Arch
Wood Facade for Fire Gate
Perennials and Herbs