Gretchen’s House at Highscope

The outdoor nature classroom at Gretchen’s House at Highscope is located in the heart of Ypsilanti Michigan and on the campus of the Highscope Educational Research Foundation. Over the past year, we have worked to expand our playground into an unused space next to it. Kim Tiemann and Chelsea Hendrickson worked to design a plan to turn a gravel parking lot into usable playground space. They worked with Gretchen Preston and a grant from Kiwanis to add a large bike path, a climbing structure made from giant wood pieces, a garden, and a family welcome area. Since the renovation has been finished, the space has been used every day by children. This past spring we planted our garden and children have been excited to help care for the plants and pick herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Families of children in our care have donated plants, helped weed, and offered time and advice to help the garden grow. Over the next year we plan to have our Infant/Toddler playground certified by Nature Explore.