Into the Wild: A Natural Playscape for Change
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Date
2025-05
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) partnered with Ohio State Design to develop an integrated response to discourage park visitors from littering. The result is a proposed nature center at the Rock House trailhead in Hocking Hills. The project aims to foster environmental awareness and promote sustainable behaviors among park visitors through nature-centered learning.
The Rock House Nature Center design features interactive displays and play areas that mimic the surrounding landscape. The center aims to deepen park visitors’ appreciation for nature by educating them about the area’s wildlife, geology, and history, while visually illustrating the environmental impact of littering. Through this, the nature center fosters a stronger connection between visitors and the natural world, inspiring more sustainable behaviors.
Through the integration of play, education, and natural design, the Rock House Nature Center aims to inspire visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. By raising awareness of how individual behaviors can impact the world around us, the project seeks to encourage sustainable practices that extend beyond the park visit, fostering lasting environmental stewardship.
Description
The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum - Earth and Beyond: 1st Place
Keywords
sustainability, state parks, education, playscape