Ellis Early Learning Playscape
Designed within a compact footprint and tight budget, this project transformed an existing parking lot into a safe, engaging outdoor play environment that supports the developmental needs of infants and toddlers through nature-inspired play and sensory exploration.Our Landscape Architecture team began working with Ellis Early Learning in 2021 to transform a 1,800 SF area within a parking lot into a play space for infants and toddlers. With a limited budget and quick turnaround, design and construction were planned to take place between May and December.
Working with the center director and staff, our team created a play space that reflected the center’s program and curriculum goals while fitting within the project budget and schedule. A palette of natural, colorful, and child-friendly materials transformed the limited space at the end of the parking lot into a welcoming play environment that also serves as the “front door” to the building.
Client
Ellis Early Learning
Location
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Services
Landscape Architecture
Size
1,800 sq ft
Making the Most of a Limited SpaceThe play space includes a playful climber made of natural wood, a log-edged sand play area, a trike track, water tables, indigenous trees, sensory panels, a wood pergola for shade, gardening boxes, and open space. Each element was selected to provide different activities that could be used by both infants and toddlers within the compact site.
Supporting Infants and Toddlers Through PlayThe play environment provides age-appropriate opportunities that support children as they grow and develop. Infants can use the sensory panels and log bench to work on motor skills and upper body strength, while toddlers can strengthen their upper body strength and socialization skills through sand and water play and the play structure.
Together, the natural play elements create a space that supports both age groups while reflecting the center’s program and curriculum goals.
