The 6,000-square-foot outdoor learning and natural play space transforms a former asphalt parking lot into a vibrant, nature-inspired environment that supports play-based learning for the school’s six classrooms serving children ages 3 to 5 years.
The space, which features pollinator-friendly plants–- including six new trees and 40 native ornamental switchgrasses–encourages exploration, creativity and hands-on learning by allowing children to engage with the natural world around them.
Students will be able to engage with many play elements and features, including a hillside amphitheater, mud kitchen, project tables, play bridge, chalk zone, planter boxes, and a colorful art fence featuring flowers, bugs and rainbows.
The project was made possible through PNC Grow Up Great®, which has collaborated with the Conservancy since 2012 to support its school grounds greening program, creating 13 natural play spaces at PPS’ Early Childhood Centers.
“At Pittsburgh Public Schools, we know that play is the work of early learning,” says PPS Superintendent Wayne N. Walters, EdD. “Spaces like this natural outdoor classroom show what is possible when the community comes together to support our youngest learners. We are deeply grateful to PNC Grow Up Great and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for helping us reimagine what learning can look like and for creating spaces where curiosity takes root and joy blossoms.”
The Conservancy’s Senior Director of Community Greening Art DeMeo says funding from PNC Grow Up Great has greatly expanded WPC’s school grounds greening efforts.
“Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is honored to work with these great partners to provide our region’s young children with fun and educational activities in natural surroundings and green play areas at their schools,” says DeMeo.
This is the PNC Foundation’s 21st year of providing funds through PNC Grow Up Great®, PNC’s signature philanthropic initiative, which has helped to prepare more than 10 million children from birth through age 5 for success in school and in life.
“A growing body of research shows that outdoor play and learning improves children’s health and wellbeing, language development and more,” says Sally McCrady, chair and president of the PNC Foundation. “Spring Garden is one of our longtime partner centers participating in PNC Grow Up Great, and we’re so excited for the opportunities this new outdoor space will bring for the young learners here.”
The ribbon cutting on October 29 was followed by PPS’ Trunk or Treat Celebration, which featured a pumpkin patch and decorating station sponsored by Giant Eagle, a story walk, mascot visits, selfie stations, and other seasonal activities.
The Trunk or Treat Celebration was one of three being held across PPS this week in recognition of the many powerful partnerships supporting the PPS’ youngest learners.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, join them on Instagram, visit the Conservancy’s YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin. Click Here to support their work.
Related Articles This Week:
-- Natural Lands Adds 102 Acres To Bryn Coed Preserver In Chester Springs, Chester County [PaEN]
-- Manada Conservancy Hosts Nov. 6 Saving Nature In Your Backyard Program In Hershey, Dauphin County [PaEN]
-- DCNR Grant News: Nov. 6 Grants Online Workshop; New Baldwin Boro Park; Schuylkill River Trail Expands; Nominate A PA River Of The Year
NewsClips:
-- Lancaster Farming: Lancaster County Conservation District Celebrates 75 Years
-- WHYY: Bristol’s Nature Club, Heritage Conservancy Teaches Kids Lessons On A Forest Floor In Bucks County
[Posted: November 1, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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