Audubon New Mexico has partnered with Groundwork Studio, a landscape architecture firm to transform the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary into a whimsical outdoor science playground as part of their continuing efforts to provide hands-on nature-based education to people of all ages. Families and children of all ages will have a unique opportunity to build a temporary one day, “Pop Up Nature Playground” giving them the perfect opportunity to get outside, explore the natural world all while constructing to their imagination’s/heart’s desire.
WHO: This free event is open to the public and children of all ages. Everyone is welcome, no matter your age, background or expertise with duct tape. Special gifts for moms in honor of Mother’s Day.
WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
WHERE: Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary, All Parking at Atalaya Elementary School – FREE Shuttle to the Center (Pick-up/Drop-off) – No on-site parking
More about “Ground for Nature-based Play”
A Pop Up Nature Playground reveals that play is about more than just a series of slides and platforms, it’s about creativity, problem solving, and collaboration within the natural world. A playground can pop up anywhere, creating a safe space where children, families and fun-loving kids of all ages come together to inspire and learn from each other. At the Randall Davey Audubon Center, families and children can build animal houses and shelters, climbing structures, natural slides, tunnels, mazes and structures of all kinds. The use of recycled materials such as branches, sticks, grasses, cardboard, wooden pallets, and straw bales will make for highly participatory event that is fun for all ages and abilities while educating on the importance of recycling for the environment.
Learning through free play.
Pop up Playgrounds celebrate “free play” which encourages participants to discover, explore and expand on the possibilities of materials while building meaningful relationships with each other and their surroundings. Building and construction are fun, engaging, and essential developmental activities for kids that promote critical thinking skills. Open-ended problems filled with “loose parts” are a key element in nature play and pop up playgrounds.
About Audubon
About Groundwork Studio
Groundwork Studio takes landscape architecture to its full potential by recognizing and utilizing site design as a unifying principle. The studio specializes in civic, recreational, and educational environments, facilitating understanding of interconnections through engaging, accessible, and interactive design for all ages. Groundwork Studio approaches design as a living, breathing, collaborative process, a transformative progression for the project team as well as the site. The studio’s active involvement in community organizations and events maximizes our ability to cross-pollinate ideas and make connections across disciplines, fostering authentic and community based solutions. Groundwork Studio is guided by the idea that when we improve our surroundings, we transform ourselves. Visit www.groundworkstudionm.com.
