Shenzhen Pingshan Children's Park

To raise a nature-bonded child is to raise a rebel, a dreamer, an innovator… someone who will walk their own verdant, winding path –Nicolette Sowder - 01 - The First Nature-themed Children's Park in Shenzhen Pingshan Children's Park is located in Shahu Community, Biling Street, Pingshan District, covering an area of about 57,000 square meters, south of the Ma Luan Mountain scenic area, with rich community life and beautiful natural scenery. As the first district-level specialized children's park in Shenzhen, the park upholds the concept of nature & ecology, nature & play and nature & education to create a nature play park featured with "mountain and water", "playing to learn", "jungle adventure" and "creative habitats". - 02 - Low-intervention design with natural strategies The park adheres to the concept of respecting and protecting nature, makes full use of the original topography and mountain resources onsite, and retains the characteristics of the original mountain landscape and diversity of plant communities to the maximum extent. The park adheres to the concept of respecting and protecting nature, makes full use of the original topography and mountain resources onsite, and retains the characteristics of the original mountain landscape and diversity of plant communities to the maximum extent. In accordance with the principles of original ecology, close to nature and less tree relocation, the park completely preserves the original lychee forest within the construction area. And through brushing bottom layer of vegetation, adding log trail and other facilities, it creates a spontaneous space under the forest for children to run, rest and climb. The natural topography is tactfully integrated with children's playgrounds, and the height difference is connected by green slopes and a skywalk corridor. The existing scarps are utilized to create climbing ladders, zip lines and other play facilities require elevation drop. The park gathers water from natural mountain watershed to create a terraced educational wetland, rain gardens, and bio swales, the natural ecological laws are integrated into children's education. - 03 - Forest School Nature Playground The Internet era has almost made us a new species that has completely disconnected from nature. With the ferocious wave of urbanization and environmental pollution, our children may become the "last child in the woods", lacking the opportunity to get close to nature. On the contrary, in the good old day, children spent their childhood in nature climbing mountains and trees and swimming in the rivers. To bring children back to nature and to heal the broken bond, Pingshan Children's Park is designed with the core theme of "Forest School" to create a unique wild park in an urban context. So that children can better understanding life around them, developing their sensation to the fullest, and promoting freedom of exploration and creativity while playing. - 04 - Multi-themed Gaming Experiences Combine existing natural base and activities to create different themed play areas. Jungle Adventure Area The original mountain topography was utilized to build an interactive and interesting space for children. The variation of terrain elevation brings complexity and challenge, increasing children's curiosity and desire to explore, and encouraging children to develop their skills through adventures. Nature Classroom Area The nature classroom area teaches and entertains via the nature language, allowing children to learn and understand nature through play. It builds up a multiple-dimensional space that helps children grow emotionally, socially, educationally, and more importantly, to promote sensory stimulation and to embrace what the nature offers. Forest Valley Area The Forest Valley area is the core area of the park's operation and management. The Green Grass Children's Library is a guardian of the forest as well as a leisure and education center for the public. A Café and souvenir store increase park’s popularity, while generating revenue to cover part of park’s operating cost. - 05 - Natural Sensory Experiences The use of wood, stone and many natural materials stimulates the sense of touch and connection; It also restores diverse ecosystems and brings back sound of birds and frogs. Trees, stumps, stones, water, sand, and ropes provide a variety of playful interactions that promotes better perception of nature. The park adopted a natural design approach, blending buildings, landscape structures and park facilities into the natural surroundings. The park adopted a natural design approach, blending buildings, landscape structures and park facilities into the natural surroundings. Great mountain view and chirping birds… Children are encouraged to play in a natural way to unleash their potential, establishing a strong connection with nature. As William Wordsworth said, “Let Nature be your teacher. " The spontaneous education created by The Forest School will inspire children to fall in love with nature and enjoy a lifelong spirit of exploration.