Madera Grove Children’s Center Playscape
Through strategic renovations and site-sensitive design, Ashley McGraw Architects transformed existing play areas into safer, more resilient, and developmentally rich outdoor environments while preserving the character of the landscape.Stanford University’s priorities were to enhance and build upon the school’s existing play area design, improve safety and long-term maintenance, increase play value within the current play spaces, and redesign the preschool play yard to support easier and more effective supervision by staff.
Please note that these “students” are AI-generated models not actual students from Stanford University.
Client
Stanford University
Location
Stanford, California
Services
Landscape Architecture
Size
22,720 sq ft
Building Upon the Existing LandscapeAshley McGraw Architects responded by enhancing and building upon the school’s existing play areas rather than replacing them entirely. The design retained the original pathway organization but replaced the decomposed granite surface with concrete to create a more durable, long-lasting system. New pathway extensions enlarged the trike loop and wove circulation through the existing oak trees, while bonded rubber mulch was used beneath tree canopies to protect existing roots.
New climbers and embankment hills were carefully sited in previously disturbed areas to avoid impacting mature oaks.
Improving Safety and Long-Term MaintenanceTo improve safety and reduce long-term maintenance needs, the team prioritized material upgrades and durable construction choices. Converting the pathways to concrete resolved erosion issues caused by historic storm events, while new permanent shade structures were added to both infant yards to enhance comfort and reduce heat exposure for the youngest age groups.
A raised Trex mud kitchen counter was introduced in the sand play area, increasing play value while improving containment and reducing maintenance demands.
Expanding Play and Supporting SupervisionThe preschool climber was replaced with a higher-quality play structure that supports a broader range of motor development and challenge. Swings were added to the toddler area, and new climbing features were integrated into the artificial turf mound. The gardening program was also strengthened with new Trex raised planters and a dedicated garden shed.
The preschool play yard was redesigned with a new fence layout that divides the space into smaller zones, allowing teachers to maintain clear sightlines and support easier and more effective supervision.
