Ben Johnson Presents on Nature Play at Design Museum Mornings

Last Friday GreenWorks was delighted to host Design Museum Mornings: Nature Play in the City at the Center for Architecture in Portland's Pearl District. Drawing an enthusiastic crowd of about fifty—everyone from early childhood education professionals and community organizers, to fellow landscape architects and nature play experts—the event included a fun social session with breakfast provided by GreenWorks followed by a comprehensive lecture on Westmoreland Nature-Based Play Area by GreenWorks' Landscape Architect, Ben Johnson.

Ben, who has gained a reputation as a nature-based play specialist, began by sharing academic research on the subject, including the benefits of risky play and exposure to nature at a young age, before moving on to the vision and design process at Westmoreland. He outlined the successful Public Engagement process lead by Elizabeth Kennedy-Wong at Portland Parks and Recreation, who brought the community together early on to support the project and also described Adam Kuby’s role as the project Artist who had an integral role throughout the visioning and construction phases.

From the structural integrity of the massive logs and boulders, which are meant to encourage balance and climbing, to the carved stones which capture the journey of rain water, every detail of the space was carefully analyzed through multiple lenses including sustainability, safety, childhood development, and design.

GreenWorks had a fantastic time working with Design Museum Portland, a pop-up museum whose mission is to "educate the world about design," and look forward to following their work around the city.

Missed the lecture? Interested in learning more? Check out our award-winning work on Westmoreland's Nature-Based Play Area here and here!

Westmoreland Published!

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Westmoreland Park has been featured in the Design Museum Foundation’s recently published “Design and Play” book, which is based on their nationally-traveling exhibit Extraordinary Playscapes. The book examines the art, history, science, and importance of play, and explores the latest thinking in playground design. The coauthors, Sam Aquillano and Amanda Hawkins, do an amazing job at telling the stories behind these incredible play spaces, while emphasizing the positive impact free play has on childhood development, thriving communities, and social equity. The GreenWorks team is honored to have Westmoreland featured as an exceptional, international playscape. We would like to thank Adam Kuby and Portland Parks and Recreation for their collaboration throughout this project. Please visit the Design Museum's website for more information: https://designmuseumfoundation.org/portland/

Columbia Tech Nature Play Area Taking Shape

The Columbia Tech Nature Play Area is under construction! GreenWorks was hired by PacTrust to design a new nature play area within the Columbia Tech Center in Vancouver, Washington. Columbia Tech Center is a 410-acre mixed use development that includes a 12-acre park that promotes a live-work balance for the community. The new 25,000 square foot playground will become the heart of the park and will be a significant amenity for the development. Our special thanks to PacTrust and contractor, Rotschy Inc.

Washougal Waterfront Nature Play Area

GreenWorks was hired by The Port of Camas-Washougal to design a new nature play area. The play area will be a highlight along a mile-long trail that begins at Washougal Waterfront Park and meanders along the shoreline of the Columbia River. The focal point in the play area is a large existing boulder nicknamed “Erric the Erratic” and playful sculpture of a sasquatch pulling the boulder out of the earth. The Port is seeking a name for the sasquatch. To submit your idea, visit the website: http://portwaterfrontparks.com/sasquatch/

GreenWorks is working with NW Playground and ID Sculptures to create this unique play element.

Astor Elementary Project Completed

Last summer, we blogged about Astor Elementary School’s depaving project where a group of volunteers spent a Saturday removing 5,000 square feet of asphalt to make way for a new playground. The demolition was orchestrated by Depave (depave.org) whose mission is to assist communities in transforming their pavement lots into neighborhood greenspaces. We are very pleased to share that the new playground is now complete and includes a turf mound, group swings, tree groves, and a custom log and boulder climber. These elements were carefully designed and arranged to have a high play value and promote social play with the use of manufactured equipment and natural materials.

Children and Nature Symposium

Ben Johnson will be taking part in two panel discussions at the Children and Nature Symposium, organized by the Intertwine Alliance. Ben will be contributing to conversations on “Rethinking Risk and Liability in Outdoor Spaces” and “Optimizing Creative Play - a New Way to Look at Playgrounds.” Event details:

Where: Oregon Zoo (4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221) in the Cascade Crest ballroom

When: Mon, Mar 13, 2017, 9:00 AM

For more info: http://www.theintertwine.org/calendar/children-nature-schools-symposium-finding-new-ways-help-our-students-thrive-0

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/children-nature-schools-symposium-and-green-schools-tour-tickets-31112227510

GreenWorks Play Date

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The GreenWorks team took a little timeoff lunch last week to visit the Playscapes exhibit at PNCA. Thank you to Stephanie of Design Museum Portland for giving us a private tour of the exhibition, which runs through December 17th. Two GreenWorks projects are included in the exhibit: Westmoreland Nature-Based Play Area and Khunamokwst Park. Our team got to try out Playworld’s new saucer, which is on display, and had fun playing on PlayForm 7 outside of PNCE in the North Park Blocks. This Sunday, PNCA will host a kids workshop at 1pm (511 NW Broadway). Learn more at www.designmuseumportland.org

GreenWorks Projects Showcased in Design Exhibit

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Design Museum Portland is currently hosting Extraordinary Playscapes, a nationally touring exhibition focused on playground design. Two GreenWorks projects are among the five local Portland (and 40 international) playgrounds featured. Westmoreland Park Nature-Based Play Area and Khunamokwst Park, both designed for Portland Parks & Recreation, are showcased for their innovative ways of redefining playground design and inspiring imaginative play. The exhibit opened last night at Pacific Northwest College of ART (PNCA) and will run through December 17th before continuing on its national tour. Several events are scheduled throughout the Fall, including a screening of The Land: Adventure Playground (October 20th), a kids workshop on November 6th, and a panel discussion entitled “How Portland Does Play” on November 17th. (All events are at PNCA, 511 NW Broadway, admission is free). For more information, visit: www.designmuseumportland.org