Creating an Outdoor Classroom

Some projects are about more than transforming a landscape—they're about creating a place where people can learn, gather, and grow.

For the Coastside Children's Programs Preschool, we transformed an underused outdoor space into a vibrant garden designed to inspire curiosity and connection with nature. The project included grading and drainage improvements, irrigation, new planting areas, natural play features, and a thoughtful plant palette chosen for beauty, durability, and year-round interest.

Today, the garden provides children with a welcoming outdoor classroom where they can explore, discover, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

The Challenge

• Poor drainage

• Muddy play areas

• Limited opportunities for outdoor learning

Our Approach

• Improved site drainage.

• Installed irrigation to support long-term plant health.

• Selected plants appropriate for children and the coastal climate.

• Created inviting pathways and gathering spaces.

• Designed with durability and ease of maintenance in mind.

Project Highlights

• Site grading and drainage improvements

• Irrigation installation

• Planting design

• Raised garden beds

• Decomposed granite pathways

• Outdoor learning spaces

• Pollinator-friendly planting

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