A Phased Approach

Construction of the Playscape is being undertaken in phases to allow construction to happen while fundraising is still underway.  Phase One of construction started in fall 2012 and was completed in fall 2013, Phase Two started in summer 2014 and was completed in spring 2015, and Phase Three is planned for 2016.  For construction photos for each Phase, please visit our Photo Updates pages.

Phase One

Phase One of the Playscape at Ripley created an accessible play area and an accessible woodland path leading to the trailhead for Gowing's Swamp.  It also provided for the removal of invasives along the Playscape's southern edge and the reinstallation of native plants.  Specific features of Phase One include:
* A universally-accessible stonedust path leading from the Playscape entrance to a gathering circle with benches made from 19th-century ship timbers. 
* A willow tunnel comprising two tunnels, one large enough for a grown-up to walk through and a smaller adjoining one for the Playscape's younger visitors to explore.  Made of willow rods which root quickly, the tunnel will ultimately become a living part of the Playscape that changes with the seasons.
 * Large and small wooden frog rasps which make different sounds when a stick is run over them.  Smaller rasps will be attached to trees, which larger ones will be affixed to the ground.
* Tree cookies – sliced tree stumps that are used as stepping stones. 

Phase Three

Phase Three saw the installation of more accessible play elements as well as community features such as benches and game tables. Specific Phase Three elements include:
* An inclusive merry-go-round accessible to all, including children in wheelchairs, who will be able to roll right on to the merry-go-round in their chair, rather than being transferred from their chair to a seat.
* A community swing to allow a group of children, including children with disabilities, to enjoy swinging together.
* A child-operated water pump to move water through the stream bed installed in Phase Two.

Phase Two

Phase Two provided for the construction of two landforms, accessible play elements, and the extension of the accessible path through the Playscape.  Specific Phase Two features include:
* The completion of the universally-accessible stonedust path and the installation of a guide rope to be used by the visually impaired and the elderly.
* The construction of two landforms, one with benches, to be used for rolling, sledding, and sliding.
* The installation in one of the landforms of an embedded slide which can be used by all children, as it is not necessary to climb a ladder to access it. 
* The addition of two accessible picnic benches.  Donated by a local Eagle Scout, these benches have ends that are wider than average picnic tables, allowing a wheelchair to comfortably access the table.
* A sand play area and raised "sand ship," which can be accessed easily by children in wheelchairs and also provides a raised seating area for adults accompanying children at the Playscape.
* A dry streambed with a bridge. 

How important is a constant intercourse with nature and the contemplation of natural phenomena to the preservation of moral and intellectual health!
Henry David Thoreau, Journal, 6 May 1851