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08-31-26 | Feature
The playground - which is part of the Nancy Olson Children's Garden located in the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden - was previously a gently sloped, open lawn, passive picnic and play area that was underutilized. The reimagined space is now home to an all-new natural playground with two separate play areas geared for children of varying ages. The two play areas have been carved into the existing slope and use large natural boulders for retaining and defining the two spaces while also allowing for inventive play and climbing. There are steps with handrails and an accessible ramp connecting the two areas that have been installed with colored, stamped concrete with a natural stone pattern. The play equipment is made from handcrafted, sustainably harvested, naturally weather resistant wood logs of varying size and height that also have special notches for creative play. The play pieces have been carefully chosen and interconnected to create and encourage nature-inspired play experiences. There are several separate unique inclusive and accessible play pieces that allow for imagined, adaptive, play activities. The brown-colored safety surface is intended to mimic wood and is made of a multi-level, recycled, rubberized, poured in place system that provides accessibility and exceeds safety standards.
To see more Playgrounds projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-playgrounds-issue
For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php
Nancy Olson Children's Garden Natural Playground
Rockford, Illinois
The natural new play area is conveniently adjacent to other all-ages and family-friendly amenities within the Nancy Olson Children's Garden, including Kid's Creek (an interactive nature-play stream and a large nature-inspired spray pad), wood bridge with koi pond, kid-friendly specialty gardens, an observation tower, covered shelter with picnic tables, and nearby restroom.
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The Playgrounds Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Nancy Olson Children's Garden Natural Playground is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.
The playground - which is part of the Nancy Olson Children's Garden located in the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden - was previously a gently sloped, open lawn, passive picnic and play area that was underutilized. The reimagined space is now home to an all-new natural playground with two separate play areas geared for children of varying ages. The two play areas have been carved into the existing slope and use large natural boulders for retaining and defining the two spaces while also allowing for inventive play and climbing. There are steps with handrails and an accessible ramp connecting the two areas that have been installed with colored, stamped concrete with a natural stone pattern. The play equipment is made from handcrafted, sustainably harvested, naturally weather resistant wood logs of varying size and height that also have special notches for creative play. The play pieces have been carefully chosen and interconnected to create and encourage nature-inspired play experiences. There are several separate unique inclusive and accessible play pieces that allow for imagined, adaptive, play activities. The brown-colored safety surface is intended to mimic wood and is made of a multi-level, recycled, rubberized, poured in place system that provides accessibility and exceeds safety standards.
To see more Playgrounds projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-playgrounds-issue
For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php
Filed Under: SEPTEMBER 2026, PLAYGROUNDS, NANCY OLSON CHILDREN?EUR(TM)S GARDEN NATURAL PLAYGROUND, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS, ARC DESIGN RESOURCES, INC., LASN
