jump to page content
Terra Firma Landscape Architecture
  • Out in the Landscape Blog
  • News
  • Projects
  • About Us
  • Video
  • Contact

Projects  ›  

School Grounds–Play

Central School

A Natural Playground

The central purpose of the landscape restoration project is to expose children to the benefit of a beautiful and sustainable landscape that introduces them to natural elements for play, social interaction, and educational opportunities.  A diverse and healthy landscape will complement the Centrals School's curriculum in that it will provide an opportunity to observe nature and the natural patterns that underpin the fields of  biology, mathematics, physics and of course art. For instance, the great poet, thinker and naturalist Henry David Thoreau credited his language skills, in "Faith in a Seed", on his lifelong observation of nature.

The goal of exposing children to nature is seen in research documented and cited by Richard Louv in "The Last Child in the Woods" and Robin Moore in "Play for All" which indicates that because children are sensory creatures, interaction with nature has the following attributes; Increases sensory stimulation, Increases Cognitive abilities, Aids creativity and learning, Increases attention span, Benefits language skills, Develops self-confidence, Develops the power of observation, Furthers a sense of connectedness.

The Central School campus experienced a “re-wilding” of its landscape with work by terra firma landscape architecture.  The athletic fields were edged with meadows and custom natural features were designed to engage kids in a variety of physical challenges. On the quiet side, the ’re-wilding’ included planting groves of native trees, creating places for forest play and small gatherings, and seeding a meadow complete with paths for exploration.

Visit the video link to view more videos about the Central School.

 

Click on any thumbnail for a larger view.

Displaying Page 1 of 2 | 


Climbing Mound

Celebration

Climbing Mound

Meadow Making

Meadow

Meadow Path

Stone Infinity Circle

Climbing Mound

Climbing Mound

Displaying Page 1 of 2 | 

Return to School Grounds–Play
Return to Projects

  • Return to School Grounds–Play
  • Return to Projects

163.A Court Street  ·  Portsmouth, NH 03801  ·  603.531.9109

© Copyright 2021 Terra Firma Landscape Architecture. All Rights Reserved.
Legal Notices  |  Website designed and developed by Blackfly Interactive.

 

Visit Us on InstagramInstagram  |  Visit Us on FacebookFacebook

 Featured on Houzz  Remodeling - Home Design