Natural Play Zone OPEN at Shawnee Prairie

The Darke County Park District would like to extend a HUGE thank you to the Ami McClurkin Community Fund and the Kremer Family Farms Fund, both administered by the HOPE Foundation of Darke County. Through the generosity of these foundations, The Darke County Park District was able to open the Natural Play Zone at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 State Route 502 West).

The Natural Play Zone has been developed to combat an epidemic known as Nature Deficit Disorder. Recent studies show that children are smarter, happier and healthier when they have frequent and varied opportunities for free and unstructured play in the out-of-doors, according to the Children & Nature Network, a national non-profit organization designed to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature.

Featured in the Natural Play Zone is a balance beam, natural loom, digging pit, jumping logs, climbing mound, tunnel and much more. Children are encouraged to explore the area, build shelters, dig, play and have fun, all while parents can watch over from designated “parent areas.” There are special tools for children to utilize in a lock box located near the digging pit.  This zone allows for kids to be kids!  There are only two rules:  1) Always be careful and respectful of others and nature 2) Take pictures and Leave only Footprints.   Through discovery and imagination, the sky is the limit to this ever-evolving zone within the woods of Shawnee Prairie Preserve.

The Natural Play Zone is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. If you have any questions, please call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165. We hope to see you and your children out exploring nature!