Come outside and play with us
We’re designing an outdoor, natural experience for people of all ages and abilities.
Nearby Nature is a key initiative in the Everyone, Everywhere Strategic Plan. Because the Museum and City Park grew up alongside each other, we’re looking for ways to take a dose of science from the Museum, stir in the Park’s natural attributes, and finish with fun and neuron-firing discovery.
Nearby Nature is leading a partnership project between the Museum and Denver Parks & Recreation to create natural play experiences in the southeast corner of City Park as part of the City Park Master Plan Update. The goal is to inspire curiosity and a love of the outdoor environment, planting the idea that protecting and caring for our planet is something we can all do together.
The community’s voice is guiding project design
Prior community feedback has led to design concepts that include multi-sensory, self-directed, inclusive, multigenerational, multi-seasonal play, along with opportunities for learning, respite and engagement through authentic, natural, playful experiences for people of all ages and abilities.
One example of the feedback we received is how important the draw of a water element is for community members. As a result, the Nature Play Project will restore portions of the historic DeBoer Waterway as a sustainable creek bed with water that runs the course of natural play experiences, based on Colorado’s eight ecosystems.
Community conversations about nature, science and play are continuing to help shape the design of this experience, and we invite you to get involved.
- Visit dmns.org/natureplay for the most up-to-date information about upcoming event and opportunities to engage.
- Email [email protected] to receive updates and event invitations.
- Show us your nature play inspirations by tagging @DenverMuseumNS and using #natureplay in your Instagram posts, or send your photos to [email protected]. (Please include photo credits.)
