Sacred Heart Preschool’s Nature Playspace Committee’s design proposal won First Place Honorable Mention in Bernheim Forest’s OUTSCHOOLED, a national design competition for creating innovative outdoor learning spaces!
For years, SHP Curriculum Specialist Austin Nikolich and a team of dedicated teachers have been working to redesign our outdoor spaces to enhance our preschoolers’ natural learning and play experience. The committee, pictured here consists of Natalie Riggs, Robin Shea, Anne Kusak, Lauren Stinnett, Kara Menges, Caryn Crush, Laura Timpe, and Lee Zderski.
We know our children love their outdoor play space, but it’s nice to be recognized nationally for our commitment to nature and free play and as a model of early years education across Kentucky. Our winning plan will be included in an upcoming outdoor classroom design guide, a free resource for schools and organizations. The play space will be constructed in the open field adjacent to the playground area at Salesia Hall.
To learn more about SHP’s belief in play and nature-based inquiry, visit: SHP - The Science of Play and the Outdoor Classroom