Nature Play

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. 

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?

Nature Play was designed with the safety of our visitors in mind, however, there is an inherent risk in all outdoor activities including Nature Play. The area is entirely fenced so that children and parents are aware of its boundaries. Adults must monitor the children in their care at all times while they enjoy Nature Play and abide by all posted rules. Dogs and other pets are prohibited in the area.

IS NATURE PLAY STAFFED?

Staff routinely check the various amenities at Nature Play, but do not monitor the area throughout the day. 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.

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.

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