---

Is a Play Garden Right for Me?

At the NAEYC Conference in Chicago I was pleased to see a variety of sessions on gardening and naturalized play areas for young children. We have been doing this work for over seven years, so it is exciting to see others finally spreading the word. Because naturalized play areas can be integrated into almost any outdoor situation, there are many circumstances that might encourage you to investigate creating a play garden for your center:

• You are thinking about repairing, refurbishing, expanding, or replacing your old or unsafe playground, especially ones that used CCA, or arsenic-treated, lumber.
  
• You want a more creative, natural-looking, outdoor learning environment around your childcare center, Head Start program, child development center or in your community.
  
• You have or are contemplating building a new childcare center, children's museum, nature center, Head Start or Early Head Start center and want to make sure the outdoor environment is as exciting and inspiring as the rest of your facility. The outdoor play space should also support both your program goals and curriculum.
  
• You want to renovate your entire playground area but want to do it in a way that will inspire young children to learn more about taking care of the natural environment.
  

We are here to help you realize your goals. Just give us a call at +1.816.931-1040 or e-mail.

---