Join us for a community environmental education event!

Discover the hidden life of the Big Elm Tributary, one of Lexington’s vital urban streams, and meet neighbors like you who are protecting and restoring this natural treasure.

What We'll Learn Together

This event offers adults a hands-on introduction to designing and creating natural play areas that foster creativity, connection to nature, and outdoor exploration. Through practical, interactive activities, participants will learn how to transform ordinary spaces into dynamic, nature-based environments that encourage play and discovery. You’ll explore key design principles, safety considerations, and materials, while working directly with natural elements like wood, rocks, and plants to build features like play structures and sensory gardens. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community leader, this workshop provides the tools to create outdoor play spaces that inspire imagination and support physical and emotional development.

At the end of the session, participants will leave with practical ideas and design principles they can apply at home, schools, or shared community areas, helping create outdoor environments where children can play freely, creatively, and safely while forming a lasting connection with nature.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the key elements of a natural play area, including sensory, physical, and imaginative features
• Plan and design a basic natural play space using sustainable materials
• Incorporate natural elements (e.g., logs, rocks, plants) safely and creatively into play areas
• Demonstrate hands-on skills in building simple play structures or features
• Understand safety considerations for creating child-friendly outdoor play spaces
• Leave with ideas and inspiration to begin creating or enhancing natural play areas in their own communities

Why It Matters

Natural play environments support children’s physical, social, and emotional development by offering open‑ended play opportunities that invite climbing, balancing, building, role‑playing, and discovery. Research shows that nature‑based play helps foster creativity, problem‑solving, confidence, and emotional well‑being, while also increasing time spent outdoors and encouraging healthy movement. 

Perfect for:

This workshop is ideal for neighbors, parents, caregivers, educators, volunteers, and community leaders who are interested in creating low‑cost, flexible play spaces that grow and change over time. No design or construction experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to imagine how everyday natural materials can become meaningful play opportunities.

Cost:

Free!

What to Bring:

Weather‑appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, a snack or something to drink (water available), and your curiosity.