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Elizabeth Thomas, Smiling Monkey Photography

Nature Play

Nature Play is designed to engage children in creative and imaginative nature discovery activities.

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Learning in and through nature helps set the stage for a new generation of healthy, active children growing up both loving nature and understanding human dependence on healthy ecosystems.

WHAT IS NATURE PLAY?

Nature Play is open from sunrise to sunset.  

Nature play spaces contain mainly natural materials designed to encourage hands-on manipulation and discovery. Natural elements provide inspiration, allowing children to shape their environment and at the same time, exercise judgment and fine motor skills. These activities motivate cooperation through play and encourage social interaction.

Nature play spaces help children understand, appreciate and value nature’s ecosystems. Frequent visits to a nature play space foster a kinship with nature and promote a greater understanding of our place in the natural world. 

photo by Seth Begeman

WHAT CAN I FIND AT NATURE PLAY AT PENITENTIARY GLEN RESERVATION?

Nature Play at Penitentiary Glen Reservation features interactive sites designed to engage children in creative and imaginative play. Kids can traverse through an acre of green landscape with logs to climb on, tunnels to crawl through and hillsides to roll down. Features include a play campsite, a shallow pond and natural objects to discover. There is no start or finish, nor map or suggested route. Kids are encouraged to chart their own course of adventure through this outdoor play maze. There are very few rules or limits and parents, although present, observe from a distance.


IS NATURE PLAY SAFE?

The area is entirely fenced so that children and parents are aware of its boundaries. Dogs and other pets are prohibited in the area. Adults are responsible for the supervision of their children.

IS NATURE PLAY STAFFED?

Nature Play is designed for self-led family adventures. Children are invited to play under the supervision of their parents, grandparents or adult caregivers. Occasionally, staff or volunteers may be available to provide special programs or to encourage families to play in creative new ways.

photo by Dan Burnett
NATURE PLAY RULES

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, please practice good manners and abide by the following rules:

  • This area is not monitored. Adults are responsible to actively supervise children in their care.
  • Pets are not allowed within the fenced Nature Play area. Leashed pets are welcome in other areas of the park.
  • Be aware that natural materials such as logs, sticks, boulders, sand and water have inherent risks.
  • Swimming, wading, diving and fishing are not permitted in the pond. Depth of pond is three feet.
  • Smoking is prohibited—young lungs at play.
  • Please keep bicycles, skateboards, roller blades and other recreational apparatus outside Nature Play.
  • Please be respectful of others and nature.

photo by Elizabeth Thomas, Smiling Monkey Photography

HELPFUL INFORMATION

  • Restrooms are located near Nature Play and at the Nature Center.
  • For non-emergency ranger assistance, call 440-354-3434.
  • Nature Play hours: sunrise to sunset

photo by Dan Burnett

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11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp., Ohio 44077
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