Educare Hawthorne Campus
Client:
Tulsa Educare, GKFF (George Kaiser Family Foundation)
Architect:
Mary Tepera Jones, with consultation by Howell & Vancuren
Construction:
About the project:
The remodel of the existing playgrounds at the campus required a framework of distinct play areas as designated by a national nature-based play organization. We were initially hired to redevelop a design that the client had purchased from the organization for their first outdoor classroom for infants & toddlers and then build it.
Following its successful completion, we contracted to fully design and build the three remaining outdoor classrooms at the facility, including another for infants & toddlers, one for Pre-K students and a separate raised bed planting classroom. Each area was custom designed and then built, including climbing mountains made out of boulders, decomposed granite pathways through teepee tunnels, and wooden boardwalks, and decks.
Concrete balance beams meander across open areas, custom planting beds have a dedicated garden area, and entries are marked by wooden archways and plantings. Gabion walls form beautiful backdrops, and kid-friendly landscaping covers every available square inch of the outdoor learning environment.
