7.5. SR 12-21-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Nature Art Here children can create art inspired by nature using traditional art materials or art using natural materials. Nature Art is compatible with the adjacent Gathering Area due to the quieter activity levels these areas invite. Views of local perennials, nearby trees, and easy access to the nearby garden path cari provide inspiration for the young artists who will be creating in this area. A local stone flagging surface provides the flooring for Nature Art and also serves as an interesting surface for rubbings and a blank canvas for chalk drawings or water painting. The small squares on the design indicate two different nature art tables (see page 23 in the Sourcebook for ideas)., The black line on the east side of the area indicates a vertical art surface for larger art drawing or sketching, and may invite children who are less comfortable working at traditional table spaces. A local artisan could be invited to design a vertical surface from slate or other natural materials. Storage is provided on the south side of the area for art supplies. Music and Movement Music and movement experiences are vital to children's healthy development. This area includes a stage, marimba or akambira, and storage for holding scarves and smaller portable instruments such as rain sticks or bongo cajons (see pages 24-25 in the Sourcebook). The stage dimensions would be approximately 6x8 feet, with a six inch step in front. The grade along the back of the stage can be taken up to create ramp that is flush with the stage. Willow fencing with planting on both sides provides a backdrop for Music and Movement and a natural barrier for the adjoining stone wall. Garden Areas and Pathways Through Plantings The dotted areas throughout the design indicate an accessible path of varying widths, created with an engineered wood fiber that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for accessibility. The goal would be to create a 5% slope or a 1/20 gradient for getting down the slope on the north side, posing significant grade issues where levels maybe six to twelve inches below grade in the upper half. Opting to use turf surfaces versus mulch on primary pathways will have to be addressed locally. As the path winds around the Climbing and Crawling and Messy Materials areas two raised garden beds are featured to the north and south. These beds should be set in to create a natural separation between children who are working in the beds from those who are navigating the path. A wide variety of plantings should be featured along the path to incorporate as much color, bloom time, and texture as possible. The Garden and Path to the southeast side of the classroom features retrofitted steps where children encounter a different large motor experience and enjoy views from a variety of elevations. The "new steps" would be created by dividing the width of existing .steps in half in multiples of three, every third step defined by a wooden platform. The south half of the steps houses. a series of container plants, leading children. down the steps and around to the existing sloped planter. The grade to the north of the steps would be raised to connect the existing wall to anew section of wall, making the sloped planting area more accessible to children. Entrance to the stadium could be accessed either via the grass driveway to the north or through a created entrance at the new wall on the southeast side. Gathering Area