Design for Nature Connection
There’s a growing global movement in cities to thoughtfully infuse childhood with nature experiences by creating spaces and places where children can connect with nature through play. Here in San Francisco, high-value natural settings for children, youth, and families can be deliberately designed in early childhood, school, neighborhood, and urban environments by implementing features that support the vision and values of nature-rich childhoods.
Our Resources & Publications:
SF NATURE EXPLORATION AREA DESIGN PLAYBOOK
A FREE resource guide created to inspire and inform outdoor childhood spaces in San Francisco and beyond.
SF NATURE EXPLORATION AREA DESIGN GUIDE
Coming Soon!
An in-depth supplement to the NEA Design Playbook for design professionals.
The Whole Tree: Guide to harvesting loose natural parts and nature play elements
Coming Soon!
When a tree is downed or needs removal, the entire tree can be used to create a wide variety of loose natural parts and large play elements.
Learn More
Cities are using nature play spaces to foster outdoor learning, improve kids’ health, and improve parks. This video from the Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative provides an overview of nature play spaces.
Additional Resources
* SF Bay Area resources