BAD RIVER BAND
OCONOMOWOC, WISCONSIN
Designed to nurture a deep connection with the land, this playscape weaves traditional Chippewa values with modern play principles.
Designed to nurture a deep connection with the land, this playscape weaves traditional Chippewa values with modern play and learning principles, providing an environment where young children can explore, create, and grow.
The Head Start Nature Playscape at Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Day Care is a one-of-a-kind outdoor space that honors the cultural heritage and natural surroundings of the tribe, while offering children an immersive, hands-on learning experience.
At the heart of the playscape are natural elements like a treehouse log climber, sand play, boulders and bridge play, an imbedded canoe and corner pergola. The build was a truly collaborative effort. GRG provided the design, install crew and materials for gross motor play features, and Black Locust throughout.
The plantings, stones and canoe was sourced from the local environment or provided by the tribe to reflect the region’s rich landscape. The space invites children to engage in unstructured play, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction
