oasis in the heart of baltimore
Before
![IMG_8336](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_8336-300x225.jpg)
![IMG_5326](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_5326-300x225.jpg)
After
![IMG_9583](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_9583-225x300.jpg)
![IMG_9542-1](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_9542-1-1024x768.jpg)
![IMG_9559](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_9559-300x225.jpg)
![IMG_9532](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_9532-1024x768.jpg)
![IMG_9566](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_9566-1024x768.jpg)
![IMG_9549](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_9549-1024x768.jpg)
Description
When it was time for their decades old and much beloved wooden play structure to be replaced, this childcare center opted to transform their urban site (wedged between a parking garage, a hospital, and a delicious-smell-emitting commercial bread bakery) into a nature play space.
The drivers of this design were a commitment to preserving the treasured mature trees on site, along with reuse of existing concrete paths, a still usable tunnel/shed, metal slides and an overhead ladder from the old climber, and a curious collection of flat stone slabs donated from a city construction project.
The hill that was once segmented off with a hodgepodge of fence types was opened up and enhanced with a quiet hammock corner, log and recycled stone steps, two recycled metal slides set into the hillside, and a mosaic stream and waterfall. An expansive sand play area with a playhouse, stump work tables, and an adjacent loose parts building area together support engineering, creativity, and problem solving among the preschoolers. The reconfigured horizontal ladder and a log pile that contains a carved log animal offer opportunities to climb, jump, balance, and develop upper body strength.
Where there once was a section of the large wooden climber, there is a now a “baby island” enclosed with a whimsical wavy topped fence and containing miniature versions of the big kid elements—a sliding hill, a fallen tree for climbing, baby and toddler specific cruising bars, and an inviting bench around an old maple tree.
![DBCC_Master_Plan_Color_20180305_480](https://earlyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DBCC_Master_Plan_Color_20180305_480.png)
“Quality outdoor spaces in urban environments are so important to children and adults. Our children and teachers are nourished in the nature we’ve added to our school.”