The board of directors of Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse has begun collecting survey responses from Smith visitors and the general public to hear their ideas about a new project to transform Smith's large green front lawn into a welcoming, programmable area for nature play and learning.
The next step is to convene stakeholders for a design workshop. The goal of the workshop is for a small group representing Smith visitors, neighbors, and community leaders to hear from and share feedback with the design professionals engaged to lead the "Gateway" project: The Natural Learning Initiative, a team of experts based at NC State University that focuses at the community level to improve children’s health and development through design education and technical assistance for the implementation of cost-effective, naturalized outdoor learning environments (OLEs) in a variety of public spaces throughout the country, and Studio Bryan Hanes, a local landscape architecture and urban design studio that creates socially and ecologically sustainable spaces through timeless yet innovative design.
One workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 13th from 5-8pm at Smith Memorial Playground and one workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 14th from 5-8pm at the offices of NET Community Care, CUA 7.
Space is limited! Please sign up for only one workshop, and please sign up only if you are sure you can attend and stay for the full three hours (a light dinner will be served). If you sign up and your plans change, please email [email protected] so we can make your seat available to someone else.