Bozeman, MT Montessori School

Typical of the Bozeman, MT area, this Montessori school with children from kindergarten through elementary school ages was built on flat land and surrounded by residential communities.

As you can see from the attached photos, there has been a dramatic change in the landscape, so that now the new mountains and new forests on this site replicate more closely the mountainous regions of this beautiful state.

Our comprehensive design process included working with the children who made models of natural play features they wanted included, many of which were incorporated in our final design.

Now the children have a long slide with a rock scramble, a huge climbing wall built into the hill, a gorgeous, mountain stream, a large sand play area with water, a stone fort, huge gardens, a gazebo with a stage and amphitheater seating, and many other fascinating, intriguing, discovery-oriented activities that keep the kids engaged whenever they are outside playing in this beautiful natural setting.

Because there are future plans to build additional school structures, we incorporated those in our master plan for the campus so that any time other funds are raised for this fabulous project, there is a plan in place that clearly shows where new elements should be located.

Glen Falls Elementary School

What struck us first about this site was that it contained several beautiful, mature pine trees and that two sides butted up against beautiful woods and a potential trail system.

We worked with the principal, teachers, and a very active committee on a comprehensive plan that would dramatically change the landscape and provide many more learning and play opportunities than the kids currently had.

As you can see from the photos, the area has been completely transformed from an almost flat terrain to one with two 10 foot high mountains with slides built into the hills, an 8 foot climbing wall, rockclimbing areas, shallow caves, numerous quiet, reflective areas, a huge amphitheater that accommodates the entire school, upper body exercise elements, fitness and challenge elements, large boulders, and so on.

Not a single tree was cut down, and all were incorporated in the design including one which will anchor a huge tree deck with several climbing and observation opportunities.

The playground is accessible and accommodates children of all ages and abilities.

Woodstock Elementary School Wins Vermont Public Places Award

The children at this school had an old, tired set of wooden playground equipment that was long past its prime, together with a huge paved area that caused massive water, ice, and runoff problems. Basically, the kids had little to do and were constantly bored.

We worked closely with the playground committee using a comprehensive design process which resulted in a beautiful design incorporating mountains, foothills, and play elements built into the existing and new hills.

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