Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo will increase the opportunities for urban children ages six months to 10 years old to engage with nature. Project activities will include the design, development, and installation of a naturalistic play zone at the zoo. Trained nature play engagement volunteers and college interns will facilitate additional age-appropriate, nature-based play opportunities in this space. The interns also will receive additional training in curriculum design and create activities for use in the nature play zone. Recognizing research findings that children benefit physically, socially, emotionally, academically, and creatively from their time spent playing in nature, this project will specifically benefit urban families who are at a disadvantage when it comes to equal access to outdoor play by making their local zoo a place to learn about the exploration of nature.