PLAY SPACE DESIGN
THE GATHERING SPOT Nestled inside a circle of amur maple trees, is a low platform for class events or outdoor learning. It's also a quiet sheltered spot for students to draw or read, or share games or stories with each other during recess. Large limestone blocks around the outer edge of the circle offer opportunity for more seating and play. A sloped ramp provides full accessibility from the path. (No. 3 on Plan)
THE BERM Hills are a magnet for children, who can't resist the fun of climbing to the top and rolling back down, an accessible challenge for all ages. In winter its gentle slopes are perfect for winter sledding into safe wide-open spaces. (No. 2 on Plan)
SWINGS & CLIMBER Children love to swing and love to climb. These new pieces of play equipment add more fun, for Sansome students at outdoor play time, as well as for nearby families who visit the schoolground all year long. To help support communication and inclusion on the playground, a new symbol communication board is also located here. (No. 1 on Plan)
THE WINDBREAKS The Sansome playground is a very windy spot for play, to enjoy sports, or explore learning outdoors. New tree groves and hedges on the northwest and southeast will provide shelter from winter winds. They will also become a focal point for snow forts in the winter, and colourful shady places in the summer. Random boulders inspire inventive play and resting spots. (No. 5 on Plan)
THE LOOKOUT HILL An accessible path winds over this gentle mound planted with elm trees and hugs of red twig dogwood and highbush cranberry. Under the trees sit large oak timbers, seating for those who wait their turn to play on the nearby play structure, or for others who just want to sit in the shade and watch. (No. 4 on Plan)
BRIDGES & PATHS To help everyone, with or without wheels, over the low and muddy spots to reach fun farther afield on the playground, are a ramped 'bridge' and compacted gravel paths. Openings in the edging around the swings, and a universal seat, say welcome! (No. 6 on Plan)
BUDDY BENCH Nothing makes a buddy bench more inviting than sitting on it under the shimmery leaves of a silver maple tree. This tree grows BIG and will soon become a favourite meeting spot for Sansome students at recess time. (No. 7 on Plan)
TREES for summer shade
HILLS for climbing + sledding
MAPLE TREES for colourful shelter
BOULDERS for imaginative play
SWINGS with an inclusive swing seat
WIND BREAKS with colour + scent
PLATFORMS for muddy crossings
CLIMBERS for all