The Outdoor Learning Center is a Children's Play Space that Promotes Active and Imaginary Play for Preschool Children of Diverse Cognitive and Physical Abilities
Central Michigan University has embarked on the development of a new, state of the art facility for its premier academic program, the College of Education and Human Services. Beckett & Raeder, Inc. developed an outdoor learning center for children attending the Central Michigan University Child Care Program, staffed by child care professionals and early childhood development students. Children from the community attend the center, affording the University program on-site, actual teaching experience. The plan is designed to accommodate a private sculpture garden for the CMU students and an environmental playground used by the childcare facility. The playground is fully secured with gathering spaces, activity hubs, overlooks, secret garden, vegetable garden, reading pavilion, dry riverbed with bridge, enchanted forest, performance area, formal play area with play structure and soft surfacing, sand play, tricycle loop, suspension bridge, numerous unique pavement surfaces, and tricycle storage building.

The project sought and was awarded LEED Silver certification through the US Green Building Council. Site considerations contributing to the LEED points were certified wood products for all decking material and lumber, fescue seed mix for reduced potable water use for irrigation, and locally manufactured products.

Beckett & Raeder, Inc. provided master planning, schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration services for the project.