Investigative Outdoor Learning Center:

The outdoor sensory garden and natural learning center was designed to include as many opportunities for learning from and interacting with nature as possible. The sensory plant areas will include plant materials that appeal to all five senses, at various heights for students of all ages and abilities. The rain garden area was situated by the building’s rain gutter downspout, to be fed with the roof runnoff, which will also house a waterfall and small pool for fish (water is supposed to be a critical feature for reducng stress and helping students with developmental needs). The look and feel of an open, field-like environment is also crucial for students to learn autonomy and experience freedom to run, so the middle zone and prairier zone will accomplish this, with the wooded area in the distance. The entrance allows for a free choice of which direction to choose, in addition to a view of each part of the park, so all options are immediately available. The sand pit allows for manipulation of the environment, so children can dig and move natural elements like sticks or seashells. The step stones or stumps allow for physical exploration of challenges without a dangerous result from falling, as does the varied topography space. The hedges with tunnels at each corner of the wooded area provide a space for rpivacy and shade, with views of the rest of the scene, which is also crucial for children to experience.