The Nature Explore Classroom at
Kitsap Community Resources Early Learning and Family Services
Smith Natural Play Park
Smith Natural Play Park’s design incorporates many personalized features. The planting plan is almost entirely comprised of plants native to the Pacific Northwest.
Not only does this give the park a Northwestern personality, but the native plants will require less maintenance and water after they become fully established within the year.
The learning areas are based on countless observations of young children and how they play. Incorporation of water play, climbing equipment, musical instruments, and art materials are all tried and true child-friendly items. The maze was designed with low growing huckleberry plants and includes three entry and exit points to allow very young children to successfully find their way through it with maximized ability for adults to supervise.
All equipment, including the climbing structure and dramatic play stage, are simple designs to support imaginative play. Because KCR Early Learning and Family Services serves children birth to five years old, they have included an infant sensory garden and open toddler active play area.
All aspects of the Nature Explore Classroom were accomplished through the efforts of KCR staff members and has truly been a labor of love for the program, including personal touches throughout.
