Look at that smile!
Every day is EARTH DAY at the Seattle Childrens PlayGarden. It doesn’t get more EARTHY than this!
Digging in the dirt, swinging in the sun, chasing butterflies. All kids deserve these simple pleasures. At the Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, all kids can enjoy the outdoors: kids on two feet, kids with walkers, kids in wheelchairs, kids who communicate differently.
I first heard of this all-access park project located in the heart of Seattle from my friend Wendy who is volunteering her considerable garden design skills (see Wendy Welch Garden Design), unflagging energy and infectious good humor to help realize this dream.
Working together with the Seattle Department of Parks & Recreation, the Children’s PlayGarden, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, has formed a visionary public-private partnership to develop
“a magical space
where kids of all ages and abilities
can interact with nature,
explore, learn and create.”
Located between 23rd and 24th Avenues South, and South Grand and South Massachusetts in the Rainier Valley neighborhood, the PlayGarden promises to be way more than just another play area with the usual recreational equipment, playchip-covered ground and a sad patch of grass.
Architectural renderings prepared by Winterbottom Design, Inc.
An ambitious master plan calls for a multi-faceted landscape with opportunities to rough and tumble, climb, splash, dig, explore and generally be a kid. Climbing mounds, water play areas, “marsh”, “cave” and tree-house settings link with proposed areas that will accommodate chickens, rabbits, raised beds for veggies and even a mini-orchard! A sport court and an outdoor performance amphitheater as well as indoor space for projects and programs offer something for everyone throughout the year. The Garden House Kitchen, picnic facilities, a barbecue area and yes, even play equipment will give families a place to come together, relax and interact with others in the community.
Who doesn’t love giant sunflowers, fresh beans, garden corn and a dousing splash in a puddle. After a day spent romping and fooling around in the fresh air we all sleep better with a good sort of tired that permeates our bodies and soothes our spirits. Seattle Childrens PlayGarden is designed to nurture and cultivate all kids; “growing” gardeners may be our most valuable crop of all. Visit the Childrens PlayGarden website to learn of summer camp activities, volunteer opportunities and an exciting calendar of events and programs. No one is turned away from the Childrens PlayGarden or its programs because of financial need. Donations of cash, goods and services are always welcome. It’s Earth day – get outside and explore our world and do your part to improve the world of others.
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Wow, wish we could turn our backyard into a smaller scale version of this!
Sounds amazing, we will definitely have to head down there soon. Thanks again for your time today, it was so great to meet you and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
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