The Headwaters Discovery Playground transforms a traditional play yard into a cutting-edge outdoor classroom and free play zone built to meet the specific needs of Abington Friends students and program. The playground serves First- through Sixth-grade students and will continue to be a resource for students all the way through their middle school years. It combines the best of Viridian’s and AFS faculty’s knowledge about core teaching subject lessons outdoors – from science and math to art and music!

Village Climb and Lookout Hill: Kids can take the goat path or crawl up a boulder and scramble to reach the Climb. Carefully woven between existing trees, the Climb gives kids places to climb like squirrels, perch like birds, and swing like monkeys. They can get to grade with a fast, whoosh down a steep slide.

Water and Sand Play: At the head of the AFS water shed, pumps, sluices, sand, rainwater, rocks, and plants all make for good messes and hydrological experiments. Here kids learn hands-on about water conservation.

Big Science and Swings: Physics gears are engaged with swing, pulley, and lever. This feature also cleverly disguises a service area.

Fields and Fun: Open wide, grassy areas for large group games allow students to try on new social roles while playing tag, basketball, gaga, and even sledding. Quiet areas beneath new trees, and amid new vegetation offer respite from activity.

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Viridian worked with student and parent focus group’s input and a steering committee comprised of parents, faculty, and alumni. We coordinated with the other aspects of Abington Friends School’s larger outdoor learning environment, AFS Outside. AFS Outside will be as central to the school’s curriculum as indoor classrooms or labs.

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