Completed in Spring, 2025

Tall Trees Nature Playscape is uniquely situated in a mature forest with nature-based, accessible, inclusive and play features.
Using information gathered through an engagement process with Schuylkill Center staff and nature preschool students, Hinge Collective developed a design for a dynamic nature playground that seamlessly increases accessible play features into an existing forest.

The design incorporates best management practices for preserving trees during construction to weave a wheelchair accessible path through a sloped play space. The path connects to a custom lifted sandbox, a modified row boat that allows wheelchair access, a Phanatic Fort that provides an armature for kids to build their own natural shelters with loose parts, an embankment slide, and many other features. Plants were selected and placed to protect tree roots from play traffic and to give the play area the sensory appeal of texture, color and smell as well as to provide habitat to this forested area.
 

Rather than separating play by access needs or labeling spaces as simply “active” or “calm,” this design embraces the in-between, acknowledging that needs are fluid and that accessible design should not be reduced to two extremes.

This is a playground that layers options into the landscape, making space for all without making it feel like a compromise. This playground doesn’t prescribe a “right” way to play—it offers choices. Whether someone is seeking movement or stillness, connection or solitude, sensory input or calm, or somewhere in between, they can find a space that fits their needs.
 

Team Members:

Brian Ames - Wissahickon Landscape Design
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
 

https://schuylkillcenter.org/visit/landscape-and-visitor-center/#&toggle=7e1da639052d69828718ad28f5fa0ce8--features