Nature Explore Playscape Project

Posted: 10/31/2011
Iowa

Through a generous grant by the Iowa County Community Foundation and the support of the Friends of Iowa County Conservation Foundation, the Iowa County Conservation Board has the unique opportunity to design and build a Nature Explore Playscape on the grounds of the Lake Iowa Nature Center.  Nature Explore Playscape projects have emerged in response to the phenomenon of ‘nature-deficit disorder’, where children are more comfortable indoors with electronic games and other media than learning and exploring in nature.  Nature Explore Playscapes provide a place for children to engage in free play while interacting with nature. 



The playscape is comprised of only natural materials– there are no ‘how to play’ instructions included with each element. The entire space is made of several themed areas.  Such areas include a ‘Messy Materials Area’ with logs to crawl through and sticks to build with, a ‘Nature Art Area’ to create designs and patterns with natural objects, a ‘Gathering Area’ designed with seating for an entire class of students, and a ‘Sand Play Area’ where it’s ok to dig in and get a bit messy. Nature Explore Playscapes are designed to reconnect children with nature and to inspire them to become the conservationists and land stewards of tomorrow.



Just like our recently completed Bird Observation Blind and Butterfly Garden projects, the Nature Explore Playscape project is going to require community support as well to reach its full potential. While initial site preparation and some basic construction is being completed by park staff this fall, volunteers will needed this spring to complete the bulk of the playscape. Volunteer projects will include building a music stage and a two-level tree house, installing flagstone flooring, cutting and planting living willow tunnels, and much more! Community build days will be scheduled for late winter/early spring. Look for the dates to be posted as events on mycountyparks.com.



Financial support is also needed in order to turn this project into an outstanding Nature Explore Playscape! Businesses, organizations, and interested families/individuals have the opportunity to sponsor an area (Nature Art, Tree House, Building, etc.) of the playscape. Sponsorship amounts include all site preparation, flooring material, all building materials or area components, and a portion of the handicap accessible concrete pathway. Donors will be recognized with a wooden sign at the entrance to the sponsored area. A brochure for sponsorship opportunities is attached below as well as the design plan for

the playscape.



For more information, please contact:



Laura Stephens, Naturalist

lstephens@co.iowa.ia.us

(319) 655-8466