new early education center Play Space.
square one

Since 1883, Square One has been a cornerstone of early childhood education and family support in Greater Springfield serving tens of thousands of children and families with a steadfast commitment to brighter futures and stronger communities.

Designed by Ashley McGraw Architects, the new 24,827 SF facility brings together early learning, family support, and community empowerment under one roof. The 5,118 SF outdoor play space is a sensory-rich environment that encourages curiosity, discovery, and connection to nature. Direct access from classrooms and a covered canopy along the building allow for year-round outdoor learning. The spaces within the playground offer a range of materiality and textures for children to explore including:

Sand play area with a mud kitchen and natural wood stepping stumps
Water play zone for sensory exploration
Swinging rope hammock for vestibular movement
Cozy ‘Nook’ area with seating cushions and surrounding plantings for small group activities
Play hill with embankment slides, climbing logs, and a playhouse at the top for dramatic play
Poured rubber trike path that winds over an arched bridge and around the play area
Chalkboard and magnet wall along the perimeter fence providing opportunities for expression and experimentation
Native and indigenous plantings that attract birds and butterflies surround the play space, providing a rich, natural environment
A plant palette that provides seasonal interest with fall color, spring flowers and interesting bark patterns, and plants that are interesting to touch and smell - leaves that are fuzzy and aromatic lilac flowers
Shrubs that offer natural loose parts for play, such as pinecones and dried pine needles

The result is a playground that nurtures healthy development while celebrating the natural world and the joy of play reflecting Square One’s mission to support every child’s potential from the ground up.