For Immediate Release
May 19, 2010
Contact: Megan Fischer
Marketing and Public Relations Manager
(401) 273-5437 ext. 126
Return to Press Room


Imaginative Outdoor Play Spaces
Transform Providence Children’s Museum

June 11, 2010


Providence Children’s Museum will transform its native Children’s Garden with two artistic new play and learning environments on Friday, June 11, upon the successful completion of its Play Works Campaign for Kids.  The new play spaces celebrate the importance of active outdoor play and will get kids outside – moving, stretching, climbing and playing.

The Climber
This safe, artful and challenging climbing sculpture is designed by nationally acclaimed artists and architects Tom and Spencer Luckey of New Haven, CT.  While the father/son team has created climbing structures for children's museums and childcare centers across the country, this will be their first major outdoor installation – a colorful 22-foot work of public art that will inspire active, physical play.  Climbing is necessary for children’s physical and problem-solving skill development and The Climber will take kids to new heights as they wriggle and stretch through an enclosed maze of 40 interconnected undulating platforms at various levels.

Underland
An artistic environment featuring a host of natural materials and the work of several talented local artists – sculptors Chris Kane and Marly Rogers and metal smith Lu Heintz – Underland will promote gross motor exploration and dramatic play by providing children with opportunities to climb, crawl, touch and pretend as they navigate the subterranean environment and its components:

  • Pretend play will blossom as kids gather at a wood slice table, sit on one of the hand-carved wooden chairs, and sort through a selection of natural “loose parts” – acorns, pinecones, grasses and sticks.
  • Children will make some joyful noise as they explore the sounds of a musical sculpture made of wood and other natural materials.
  • Crawling like underground critters, kids will navigate a mazelike network of tunnels, encountering wiggly worms, a cicada and creature sounds.
  • Children will discover a three-dimensional mural of native animals and can try on animal vests – red fox, chipmunk, cicada, turtle – and pretend to be creatures that burrow. 
  • Digging in a sand pit, kids will become paleontologists as they use tools to bury, sift, scoop, pile, and unearth the skeleton of an American mastodon.

Together, The Climber and Underland will encourage active exploration, discovery and a deep appreciation of the natural world and will make Providence Children’s Museum’s outdoor environment a signature destination.  Join the celebration of these exciting new play and learning environments June 11-13 and look for special programs throughout the summer. 

For more information, visit www.childrenmuseum.org.

For kids, for families, for the future.  Play a part!
The Museum is located at 100 South Street in Providence’s Jewelry District.  September through March, open Tuesday through Sunday and Monday school holidays, 9 AM to 6 PM, and selected Fridays until 8 PM.  April through August, open 7 days. Museum admission is $8.50 per person; always free for Museum members.  
Call (401) 273-KIDS or visit www.childrenmuseum.org.