Marge and Charles Schott Nature PlayScape

Grand OpeningPlayScape boy with net

The Marge & Charles Schott Nature PlayScape officially opened its gates for play August 16, 2011 after a symbolic vine-cutting ceremony. For the grand opening's official press release click here.

The Nature PlayScape is a model of the Nature PlayScape Initiative (NPI). Through this initiative, CNC and UC Arlitt Center aim to create a regional model for healthy child development and demonstrate how to effectively use the outdoors to strengthen a child’s mind, body and spirit.

View Frequently Asked Questions about Cincinnati Nature Center's Nature PlayScape.

PlayScape Map
Click to view the full-sized Nature PlayScape map.

Nature PlayScape Programs

The Nature PlayScape offers a variety of programs for both children and adults including Hands-on Nature and Grownups in Nature days. During these days, play facilitators will be on-hand to encourage and inspire play in nature. Click here for a brochure detailing upcoming programs in the Nature PlayScape.

PlayScape kids

PlayScape girl looking at berries

Playscape Rendering
Click to view the full-sized Nature PlayScape rendering.

How do nature playscapes differ from playgrounds?

  • The features are designed for open-ended creative play rather than predetermined, specific uses.
  • Nature is the focus, not human-made elements.
  • Plants, soil, and water are integrated and available to be touched and manipulated, not just observed.

Cincinnati Nature Center’s Nature PlayScape:

  •     Reflects the local landscape and climate
  •     Is dominated by natural elements
  •     Invites open-ended interactions
  •     Stimulates the senses
  •     Promotes a sense of play and wonder
  •     Contains multiple habitats

Why did we build a Nature PlayScape?

“Research indicates that unstructured play in nature increases self-esteem, creativity, motor skills, fitness, and even academic performance.  It also seems to relieve symptoms of ADHD.”

-Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods

Read CNC Executive Director Bill Hopple's summer 2010 Newsleaf article on the need for nature playscapes (PDF).

Get Involved

Become part of the movement - make a donation to support ongoing maintenance of CNC's Nature PlayScape.

Donate Now

Look under "New Volunteer Opportunities" to learn how you can become a play facilitator at the Marge and Charles Schott Nature PlayScape.

Nature PlayScape Initiative

CNC is in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati's Arlitt Child & Family Research & Education Center to implement the Nature PlayScape Initiative.  The collaborative is funded by a grant from the Harriette R. Williams Downey Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation.  The grant will fund the design and initial construction of a PlayScape at each facility as well as research to discover the true impact of nature PlayScapes on child development.

CNC is also in formal partnership to implement the PNC Grow Up Great with Science grant ($340,000 over two years) with Child Focus, Inc., and the Arlitt Child & Family Research & Education Center.  This grant is designed to educate Head Start teachers and parents on how to use the outdoors at CNC and in their own lives, to teach natural sciences.

Learn more about the Nature PlayScape Initiative.

 

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