Ross Park Playful Learning Forest

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Ross Park Playful Learning Forest

The Ross Park Playful Learning Forest Master Plan (Design Program + Site Plan) was initiated with a community survey and a two- day site visit, including a stakeholder workshop facilitated by NLI.

The vision projected by responses to the Community Survey was clearly broader in scope than the original project title (Nature Play and Exploration Trail), reinforced by the Stakeholder Workshop participants who emphasized educational potential. The site itself suggested a more ambitious approach. Eventually, these shared perceptions resulted in the expanded, renamed,“Playful Learning Forest.”

The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide the Ross Park Play and Learning Forest implementation team with a decision-making guide, framed by the project mission and goals described below. The Design Program narrative is based on the results of the segmented Community Survey, which describes the user needs and physical infrastructure improvements proposed by survey respondents, incorporated into the Site Plan. The Community Survey results will continue to inform the future Schematic Design, Activity Programming, and related site management process.

Playful Learning Forest Site Plan: Nature Play, Hiking Trails, Bike Trails, Camp Sites, Wildlife Garden, Fairy Garden, Amphitheater, and Playful Learning Forest.
Playful Learning Forest Master Plan: Ross Park Zoo, Binghamton, NY, featuring nature play areas, hiking trails, and educational spaces for children.

Download the Ross Park Play & Learning Forest Master Plan:

Ross Park Play & Learning Forest Master Plan PDF

Gate at Ross Park, Binghamton, NY.

Design Programming Stakeholder Workshop

workshop participants 2

Design Programming Stakeholder Workshop participants. Brandon Dupree, NLI, workshop recorder (far left).

workshop participants 1

Robin Moore, NLI, facilitates workshop as participants share personal images of the future Ross Park Nature Play and Exploration Trail.

whiteboard discussion of key points

Facilitation graphic with key points from discussion, helping participants to stay on track.

Site Visit

roross park entrance

Historic pillars mark Ross Park entrance.

existing trail 1

Existing trail.

existing trail 2

Topland.

abandoned building

Abandoned building from former Scout Camp.

Park Creek Bridge

Park Creek Bridge.

adults observing creek

Phillip Ginter (Ross Park Zoo) and Brandon Dupree (NLI) observe Park Creek.

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