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Project 1: The Wonder Walk

Olde Orchard Elementary

TerraNova’s story begins here. Where a student-led concept is becoming our first real-world build. In partnership with Old Orchard Elementary and its community, we’re transforming an underused playground into a vibrant space for creativity, connection, and growth.

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The Backstory

It all started as a class project. Landscape architecture students partnered with Old Orchard Elementary to reimagine the school’s aging playground. From day one, the kids helped shape the vision — sharing ideas, sketching dream spaces, and inspiring a design rooted in imagination and care.

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Though it remained a concept, that collaboration revealed something bigger: the power of listening, of designing with young voices in mind, and of building places that truly reflect the people they’re for. That moment became the seed that grew into TerraNova.

Vision

This project isn’t about building something massive — it’s about making small, thoughtful changes that have a lasting impact. By adding shade, color, soft surfaces, and natural elements, we’re transforming an overlooked space into one that invites play, sparks imagination, and makes every child feel seen and valued. It’s a simple way to show kids that their ideas matter, their environment matters, and that even small changes can help a community grow stronger together.

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What We're Planning

This summer, we’re bringing the concept to life — a fresh update to part of the Old Orchard playground. With limited time and resources, we're focusing on high-impact, low-cost elements like:

  • Shaded seating

  • Painted play zones

  • Native planting beds

  • Natural play features

We’re currently finalizing the design and gathering what we’ll need to build. With your help, we can make it happen.

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The existing space — soon to be reimagined.

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What We’re Proposing

We envision a narrow, vibrant strip along the fence — a sensory-rich play space that invites creativity and movement through:

  • Chalk Wall: A canvas for imagination

  • Music Wall: Sounds, rhythms, and play

  • Water Wall: Hands-on experiments and flow

  • Log Stepping Path: Natural balance play

  • Seating Areas: Colorful, shaded spaces to rest

  • Greenery: Native plants for shade, scent, and softness

  • Inclusive Design: Accessible and welcoming for all

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Concept Renderings

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Nature Balance Path Concept (1) [Recovered].jpg

Materials Needed for The Playway

To bring The Wonder Walk to life, we’ll be using safe, durable, kid-friendly materials:

  • Chalk Wall: Chalkboard panels, wood framing, sealant, chalk

  • Music Wall: Pots, pans, PVC pipes, xylophone bars

  • Water Wall: Funnels, tubes, drainage bins, PVC

  • Stepping Path: Tree logs, mulch or gravel, wood preservative

  • Seating & Shade: Tubes, timber, colorful elements

  • Planting: Soil, native plants, mulch, raised beds

  • Safety: Rubber mats, smooth transitions, clear signage

  • Tools: Drills, screws, brushes, saws, safety gear

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WE NEED YOUR HELP

Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating materials or funds, helping with construction, or simply getting updates, fill out this form and we’ll be in touch soon.

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