We Learn and Play in Nature

Parkside founders Joe and Claire Bruno have always understood the wisdom in this approach. Over the years, our children have enjoyed regular hikes, community campouts, and swimming in springs and creeks.

Current research shows that children who spend less time in front of electronic screens and more time in nature are healthier, happier, and perform better academically. With that knowledge in mind, the majority of our 12-acre campus is undeveloped in order to preserve its magic and foster our community’s connection to nature and includes:

• Natural playscapes: A two-story playhouse that serves as a wildlife observation deck, balance beams made from tree trunks, and bright blue canoes on imaginary waters. These are just some of the unique features we have to encourage more creativity, more exploration, and more physically challenging exercise than traditional playgrounds.
• Outdoor trails and gardens: Our campus features butterfly and vegetable gardens and interconnecting trails through the woods, providing rich outdoor learning opportunities for all ages. Gardens are planted and tended by the children as part of their classroom curriculum.
• Freedom to discover and enjoy nature: We give children the opportunity to wander, explore, climb trees, splash in the creek, or simply spend quiet time in nature. Exercise and structured games have their place, but unstructured, creative play brings myriad benefits to a child’s brain development, so we offer a balance of both.