“… a ditch somewhere – or a creek, meadow, woodlot, or marsh …These are places of initiation, where the borders between ourselves and other creatures break down, where the earth gets under our nails and a sense of place gets under our skin.”
A survey of 600 students in grades 1-4 conducted by The Natural Playground Company concluded that 95% of the students enjoyed natural playgrounds compared to the conventional slides and swings. Some of the student responses included:
- I can play in nature
- There are more things to do
- It’s peaceful
- There’s more of a chance to see wildlife
- Rocky Stream Channel where children can leap from rock to rock, float a raft and listen to the soothing sounds of flowing water
- Silo Cavern adorned with tiles painted by Riveredge Nature Journeys summer campers
- Sand, Soil and Water Play Area where children can create their own sand art masterpieces and dig for buried treasure
- Tamarack Canopy Platform provides ample climbing opportunities and allows one to feel like a bird high in the trees
- Vernal Pond this shallow pool of water is perfect for mucking about and catching frogs
- Tree House overlooking the pondwhere your child’s imagination can run free
- Grassy Hill for running, rolling or sledding down
- Snake Hibernaculum where you can catch a glimpse of a snake if you are lucky
The area is designed to encourage children to use their imaginations, stimulate their senses and nurture their curiosity. The child in all of us will find this place irresistible! We hope it becomes a destination for your family as you look for healthy, environmentally friendly, age appropriate and affordable activities for your children.