Join us for an inspiring tour hosted by Austin’s Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative, where environmental sustainability meets social equity through innovative nature play spaces. We’ll begin at our nature play materials yard, where trees and boulders salvaged from development projects are transformed into magical play environments—a circular economy solution that diverts waste while creating vital community resources. This tour offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how cities can simultaneously advance zero-waste goals and expand equitable nature access through creative material reuse.
Our workshop focuses on Austin’s eastern crescent, where rapid gentrification and historical disinvestment have created stark disparities in green space access for predominantly Black and Latinx communities. At Sanchez School Park and MLK Station Neighborhood Park, you’ll see firsthand how nature play installations are bridging this equity gap in neighborhoods where children have long been denied the health, developmental, and social benefits of quality outdoor play spaces. These sites represent Austin’s commitment to prioritizing park investments in high-equity areas where they’re needed most.
Discover how nature play offers a scalable, cost-effective model for cities facing similar challenges of limited budgets and urgent equity needs. From site selection through community-driven design, installation, and ongoing maintenance, we’ll share the complete process that makes these projects successful and replicable. Walk away with practical strategies for leveraging natural materials, engaging diverse communities, and creating play spaces that honor children’s right to nature—regardless of their neighborhood’s zip code or property values.
Note: Restrooms are not available on this tour.