Today’s Family Early Learning and Child Care – Dundas

The Today’s Family Early Learning and Child Care centre at Dundas received grant funding toward outdoor playground improvements. But, with a possible site relocation on the horizon, they needed a movable play structure for when the time comes.

Our typical approach to playground design is holistic and involves the entire site. Because of the desire for movable equipment, this project posed a unique challenge. Additionally, the centre wanted to ensure that the eventual playground design was inclusive for all children with varying levels of ability.

Earthscape’s proposal for the Dundas site included two custom play houses that reflect the Victorian architecture of the neighbourhood.

The designers avoided using a traditional ramp because of the limited space. Additionally, long ramps offer little play value. Earthscape inventively designed the Preschool play house to be partially embedded in a grassy berm. The berm and partial ramp each make up about half of the required grade change to reach the platform. An integrated climbing wall adds play value to the ramp structure. A stacked timber climber, chalk board and stage, and a potting bench complete the playground.

Paint and woodworking details add warmth, meaning and personalization to the play huts. Children love the small mail slot and potting bench that are familiar home features.

Other Today’s Family playgrounds by Earthscape include their locations at Franklin Road, Greendale and Saltfleet.

Client: Today’s Family Early Learning & Child Care
Location: Dundas, Ontario
Completion Date: Fall 2018