New Horizons is breaking ground on June 14, 2010 to develop the long promised Natural Playscape and Outdoor Classroom.

New Horizons, in partnership with Edgar David of SEDDesign, will reclaim the area of the current playground, removing macadam,  regrading the land, and resurfacing with a more environmentally responsible permeable surfaces.  An enclosed Toddler Garden will be created immediately adjacent to the building to allow easy and safe access to the outdoors for our youngest children.  A gate will lead to a serpentine path that will traverse the hill, taking children to the lower areas of the playscape.  The path will be be bounded by swales for storm water management and large grassy berms for rolling, running up and down and imaginative play.  The entire area will protected from driveway traffic.

This constitutes a first phase - the preparation for the subsequent introduction of both recreational and curricular elements that will engage the five senses and fire the natural curiosity of children ages 18 months through 12 years.  We anticipate that teachers, parents and students will collaborate for years to come on projects to enhance this natural canvas provided by this initial phase of development.

In perfect agreement with New Horizons philosophy, SED’s sustainable designs reduce the impact of the built landscape, mitigate impact on our natural resources, and restore our native landscapes and natural ecosystems and the critical functions that they serve.  SED design specializes in ecological restoration and planning with the purpose of integrating people with their landscape and enhancing the environment for the world around us.  SED Design is known for integrating sustainable design principles and Best Management Practices (BMP’s) in the design of meaningful landscapes, where these sustainable features are interesting and playful.

This is an innovative project for this area and has received early praise from Upper Dublin Township for its positive contribution to the local environment.  Above all, this is an exciting project that will help define every child’s New Horizons experience, educationally and recreationally. There is plenty of work to be done and ample opportunity for each of us to be involved in this project.  Please come to talk with us as this project captures your imagination .