January 2001(Skaneateles, NY) - Move over monkey bars, playgrounds are going back to nature, and the children at the Skaneateles Early Childhood Center are loving it. Their new play environment, designed by Rusty Keeler of Planet Earth Playscapes, has been honored in the International Playground Design Competition 2000 with second-place prize. The competition, sponsored by the International Play Association (IPA), attracts entries from around the world. Their infant/toddler playspace was the sole American design to receive an award.

The panel of judges noted the design's innovative attention to the developmental needs of children and the use of natural materials and native plantings. Tricycle paths meander through edible plantings, boulders, and a mini-orchard of dwarf apple trees. A deep sand area, gliding swings in the trees, and gardens of tall grasses, Jerusalem artichokes, and sunflowers never lose their interest as places in which to play and hide. Children climb earthen berms and crawl through a section of concrete tunnel, often congregating inside. A poured rubber surface runs through the center, allowing tots to ride their tricycles through the tunnel if they desire.

Sarah Reading, director of the Skaneateles Early Childhood Center, says developing the award-winning project with Keeler was like preaching to the choir. "We wanted a place where children could do things everyday; where we could create spaces that would continue to interest them throughout the seasons. We spend 55 hours a week with these children. Allowing them to be in nature -- in a beautiful, stimulating environment-- is a life-long gift." Members of the community, with Keeler's guidance, built the playscape over a four-day period. Reading says the Center hopes to work with Keeler on a second playscape for children, ages three to eight years.

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