NATURE EXPLORE OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AT FOUR EARLY EDUCATION CENTERS

San Pedro Early Education Center

San Pedro, California

In collaboration with Nature Explore, a Nebraska-based nonprofit dedicated to creating Nurturing Outdoor Spaces for Children, LAUSD partnered with PBWS Architects to reimagine outdoor learning environments across multiple Early Education Centers. The design solutions emphasize immersive nature-based play, integrating interactive elements into the landscape to stimulate sensory development, creativity, and physical activity for young learners.

Each site features a curated selection of natural textures and materials, fostering imaginative and exploratory play. Common design components include sandboxes for tactile exploration, balance beams and turf mounds for gross motor development, music and movement areas (some with raised platforms), nature art boards, dramatic play zones, trike paths, citrus gardens, textured concrete, water play areas, and spaces for messy materials to encourage creativity and experimentation.

These elements are thoughtfully integrated into each site’s unique layout, with accessibility and safety as guiding principles.

The scope of work included replacing existing asphalt with concrete at the building entry, upgrading restrooms to meet current code requirements, installing a new AI phone at the administration building, adding accessible and compact parking stalls, constructing a raised music platform with a sloped walkway to ensure inclusive access, and installing Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) safety surfacing in play areas.

Size: 7,300 SF