Recent research by educators, pediatricians,and sociologists indicate that many children in America experience a lack of unstructured outdoor play time. Deprivation of quality play time and disconnection from nature can be detrimental to children's physical and mental health and lessen opportunities for cognitive and creative growth.

The Cincinnati Playscapes Project, with a generous grant from Harriette Williams Downey Fund, addresses this lack by conceiving two playscapes that unite the resources of the natural world with learning opportunities and free play time for young children. Collaboration between the Cincinnati Nature Center, the University of Cincinnati Arlitt Center Preschool, and the Community Design Center integrate expertise in landscape interventions, children's development, and community participation. The two proposed playscapes, located at the Cincinnati Nature Center and the Arlitt Center respectively, will serve as models and inspiration for future playscape design at the community, municipality, or private level.

For more information, contact Eleanor Luken at (513) 556-2243 or lukener@email.uc.edu.

Cincinnati Playscapes Design Fellowship
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