Cincinnati Nature Center: Nature Playscape Grand Opening

There are so many activities and destinations geared toward children in the Cincinnati region that it can be hard to choose what to do or where to go on any given day.  But when I heard about the new Nature Playscape opening at the Cincinnati Nature Center, I knew I had to be there with the boys to check it out.  In his opening remarks, Bill Hopple, CNC's Executive Director spoke about the fact that there are many natural areas to explore with children, but oftentimes there are rules to follow:  Stay on the trail, Don't pick the flowers, Don't climb the trees, Stay out of the stream.


At the Nature Playscape, it's "Opposite Day," as my 4 year old would say.  Children are encouraged to climb on the trees, build a fort, pick the flowers, play barefoot in the stream, and more.  The Playscape was designed for kids to have a hands-on experience within a nature preserve without anyone telling them what not to do.  After making a bee-line to the cookie and lemonade table set up for the grand opening, my sons got busy jumping, climbing, digging, and wading.  

Cookies and Lemonade Always Come First!

Inside the Playscape, mulch and gravel paths wind throughout the 1.6 acres of fields planted with native plants and lead to various play areas.  The main attraction is the stream which includes a small waterfall to climb and plenty of stones for building dams.

The Stream

Miles Prepares to Descend the Waterfall

Marshall and Miles Navigate the Stream

Surrounding the stream are play areas.  We managed to visit most of them.  Following are some photos of the areas we encountered in no special order.

Dirt Hill--Our Favorite!

Ring of Upright Logs

It's a Fort, It's a Balance Beam

Hidden "Cave"

We Could Stay Here All Day

All Natural Jungle Gym

Look at Me Mom!

Sand Pit--a Classic

I also observed a gravel pit, more dirt piles, and some older kids building a fort in the woods with fallen branches.  One little fella spent his whole time building a very functional dam in the stream.

After our exploration which lasted a good two hours, we ventured back outside of the fenced-in Playscape and followed a short path to check out the nearby picturesque "Matt's Pond" and Abner Hollow Cabin.

By this time, hunger and exhaustion began to set in and when the boys started pushing and shoving one another down by the pond, I knew it was time to go.  On our way back to the parking lot, we passed through a picnic grove and I made a note to pack a lunch on our next visit.

All in all, the Nature Playscape is a neat destination for the kids.  Because it is fenced in, parents can let the youngsters roam at will while relaxing on a nearby bench if they wish.  

The idea of natural playscapes is a trend that is gaining momentum.  There is a lot of discussion about bringing children closer to nature and the need to combat parents' fears about letting kids roam free in the woods.  Children certainly have less opportunity to roam wild places close to home now than when I was young.  My childhood neighborhood of woods and farmland has given way to suburbs with paved roads and manicured lawns.  Nature preserves are essential to protect our lands from over-development, but they become so protected that kids are not always free to get down and dirty with their surroundings. Natural playscapes, built into places such as  the Cincinnati Nature Center provide a balance between the need to preserve nature and allow children to explore without rules and boundaries.  

I am still a big advocate for taking your kids on all kinds of trails--preserved and wild.  It's not the playscape that creates the experience, it's parents and caregivers providing the opportunity to experience nature.  If parents are fearful of "the backwoods"  and all the dangers therein, perhaps natural playscapes can provide a worry-free place to get their children (and themselves) back in touch with nature  The Nature Playscape at CNC is a great introduction to the wonders of the natural world;  but if you go, why not begin with a hike on one of the many trails within the park?  There are some things that can not be re-created by human hands in a playscape, such as the smells of old rocks in a slow-flowing stream, moss on a rotting tree, or lumps of wet autumn leaves lining the forest floor;  or a glimpse of a deer close by and the deep silence that covers the ears in the thick of the woods.  There is a difference to playing in a controlled natural environment and communing with nature in the wild.  The good thing about CNC is that you can have both experiences, all in one place. 

Two Tykes on a Bike!...Little Miami Scenic Trail, Avoca to Milford.

What a hot, humid summer it has been--better for swimming than hiking!  The boys and I have had our share of pool visits this summer, but I've found myself craving a little exercise.  Plus I didn't want to miss the late summer wildflower show when all the tall, leafy "weeds" finally pop into bloom.  So, I took the humidity as a sign to pull my bicycle out of the garage and finally try out the bike trailer I found on craigslist at the beginning of the season.  At least the boys and I would get a breeze to dry off our moist brows.


Since it's close to home, we headed to the Avoca trail head on the Little Miami Scenic Trail for our trial run.  At first, I tried to let the boys ride along, but a tattered big wheel and a bike with shaky training wheels felt very out of place on this particular trail frequented by professional cyclists more than families.  My almost three-year-old could not grasp the concept of staying to the right side and my older son kept ending up in the grass, so into the trailer they went!  


The first ride was wonderful--me with the breeze on my cheeks, them chilling in the trailer behind, smiling people passing by, and plenty of wildflowers all around.  We even saw two deer crossing the path.  We have returned several times since and I finally took my camera to capture some of the trail for the blog.  Have a look!  And stay tuned for upcoming posts regarding bike paths in the area.


[Click on the slideshow below to see the whole album with captions and comments containing more information or click HERE.]

Trail Tale: Blue Ash Nature Park

Recently we visited the Blue Ash public library since there was a Reference Only book in their holdings that I wanted to see.  Since we were already in the area, I took the opportunity to check out a new trail for the blog (and let the kids use up some energy before heading home).  The Blue Ash Nature Park was the perfect spot.  The trail was long enough to be interesting, but allowed plenty of time for the boys to play on the nearby playgrounds as well.


After parking the car, we found a trail map just off the parking lot.

We started our hike to the right where the trail begins to loop around the outside edge of the park.

In the picture above you can see signs with the usual park guidelines and on the left, one of several small, covered picnic shelters within the park.  After a short jaunt on the paved entry way, we found the trail head, again to the right.  

There was plenty of greenery to greet us on the wide gravel path.  I noticed a vine ground cover planted on the edges of the path, keeping weeds at bay, making for a more relaxing walk since I didn't have to watch so closely for poison ivy!  Soon, we came to a wooden bridge crossing a small stream--always a point of interest for the boys.

Across the bridge, the path changes to mulch and is still nicely maintained.  Next, we find a bench, one of Marshall's favorite things.  He shouts:  "Look, a bench, a bench!" and acts as if we've been walking for hours, when it's only been about 10 minutes.  

From here, we continue right again, even though the boys have spotted one of the playgrounds.  Somehow I coax them to keep hiking with promises to play at the end.  I'm sure I mention a cookie or something like that too.  While we are "discussing" the matter, I notice a pretty painted bird house on a nearby tree.

And at least two more, throughout the park:

If I had known these were around, it would have been a fun scavenger hunt to seek these little works of art during the hike.  


We continued along the trail.

There are a couple of small side paths from the main trail, but one led to an empty space along the main road (Reed Hartman Highway) and another to someone's home.  It is best to stay on the main trail.  At one of these, we paused long enough to find some pretty moss growing at the base of a tree.

The kids took time to touch, smell, and yes, taste this tiny little carpet of green.  I love it when they get a hands-on experience with nature!  It was a patch of coolness on the hot day.  A little more hiking and we finally came upon the PLAYGROUND!!!!!!!!

  
The two play areas below lie on either side of the path.

They share space with a large picnic shelter.

Can you say Birthday Party?  This is the perfect set-up, with restrooms close by.  This and other park shelters can be rented by residents or businesses within the city of Blue Ash only.  However, I'll bet anyone can use them if they are not reserved, especially during the week.  Contact the city's parks department to be sure.


On this day, only a couple other people were around, so the boys had the place  mostly to themselves...unless you count the cool green dinosaur hanging out by the play set:

If you continue past the playgrounds shown, you will come to the park's amphitheater.  It is here that free concerts in the park are held as well as other special, family friendly performances.

We continued our walk in the other direction, toward the restrooms and water fountains.  We located another reservable shelter:

and another, smaller playground where Miles practiced his climbing skills:

This is actually the area the boys spotted as we began our hike.  There are a couple small covered picnic shelters here, perfect for someone on a lunch break from work or a small, casual gathering.  


After playing, we completed the loop and found ourselves back in the parking lot.  We ventured down the other trail head a short way just to cross a bridge and view a water feature:

This is a man made structure that is possibly used to control water runoff from the recreation center and other buildings just beyond it.  That didn't stop M&M from tossing stones into the water.

If we had continued down this trail, it would have led to another shelter, play area and the amphitheater.  But, it was time to go!  The heat, the time, and our rumbling bellies said so.  Next time I'm in the Blue Ash area, I'll be sure to pack a picnic and visit this park again.  But maybe I'll follow in the footsteps of the other Mom I saw while visiting and bring a book to read while the kids play!

Fast Facts: Blue Ash Nature Park

4433 Cooper Road

Blue Ash, OH  45242
http://www.blueash.com/content/87/195/311/default.aspx#nature park



View Larger Map

Kids Will Like

• Multiple Play Areas
• Easy Hike
• Picnics

Good to Know

• Free Admission
• Paved Parking Lot
• Restroom Rating: B
• Water Fountain at Restroom
• Multiple Picnic Shelters--May be Reserved by Residents or Businesses of Blue Ash
• Amphitheater on Site with Free Summer Concerts

Synopsis
This is a great little weekday loop hike if you are in the area.  Shelters can be reserved by Blue Ash residents or businesses, so summer weekends may be too crowded for the first time visitor.  There are at least three playgrounds on-site and some small picnic shelters that make this a perfect spot for a lunchtime outing.  Free weekly concerts are held on summer evenings at the amphitheater in the park.    


Links
Concerts in the Park
Trail Map

Trail Tale: Dogwood Park, September 2010

Playground at Dogwood Park, Mariemont

This one is known as the "Green" Park to my boys since there are so many trees and plenty of grass surrounding the playground.  Or, it could be because the equipment is painted green.  Dogwood Park is within walking distance of our home, so it's kind of our go-to park when the kids get bored of the basement or backyard.  Plus, there is a Starbucks along the way.  We have hiked the trail which is tucked away in a ravine behind the playground a few times and once, savoring a couple hours to myself while the boys hung out at Grandma's house, I walked the creek bed beyond the trail and freaked myself out on the way back when I had trouble picking my way through the fallen trees and portions of the creek that were over ankle deep.  It didn't help that I stumbled across a leg bone of some kind. Deer? Probably.  Human? Nah. Dinosaur?  Maybe?!?  I also found myself face-to-face with a huge buck, antlers and all, who stared me down for several terrifying minutes despite my stomps, claps, and whistles before he ran away up the hillside.  Whew!


This is what I love about the woods at Dogwood--a literal slice of adventure cut from the thriving Village above.  These are like the woods of my youth, where at the age of 10, I once got lost for three hours.  I felt like I'd travelled to the end of the earth, but when I finally stepped out of the woods with tear-stricken cheeks, I was only in the neighborhood adjacent to my street and a (very) short walk back to the front door of our townhouse.


I think my boys found a little sense of that adventure during our hike today.  Come on, I'll show you.  From the playground, we descended the concrete steps...

 ...and arrived at the historic boathouse where Miles was thrilled to find a patch of gravel.

Walking away from the boathouse, there is a wide patch of grass lined with prairie plants and trees growing on the hillsides.

Along the way, there are a couple of paths to the right which lead up to the sidewalk along Wooster Pike in Mariemont.  When you encounter a cross path, take the trail to the left to enter the woods.

The trail will start to descend into the ravine and may be a little steep for the youngest toddlers.  The picture above gives you an idea.  Miles, at 23 months handled it well, with only a slip or two on the dry dirt. A few months ago, I simply carried him down the brief declines.  One of my impressions as we tromped along was that these woods are messy! 

Limbs Along the Trail

Everywhere you looked there were trees down and many limbs piled up along the trail.  The trails are kept clear, it's just that it looks like the wood is not removed.  This is good, I think, in maintaining the naturalness of the place.  Because it's quite a narrow ravine, all the hillside trees fall toward the center, crowding the bottom.  So, it's messy.  But it's a great place to strike up a conversation with the kids and observe how trees decay.  My two had fun looking for bugs

Can you find the little wormlike creature?

and grabbing handfuls of the brittle bark worn to dust. 

They even helped clear the path of some fallen branches.

After all the hard work, it was time to cool off in the creek.

Literally!!

 
I wasn't planning on letting the boys get all wet and I'm not so sure about the pollution levels in this creek, but stopping them was pretty impossible.  I have to say, it was fun to just let them go and explore and do what they were going to do.  I remember the freedom I used to feel exploring the woods this way as a child, with no regard for wet feet or possible poisoning from yucky water.  I, myself, though kept my shoes perched on the stones and a very careful eye on the boys.


My careful eye could do nothing about what happened next, however.  All of a sudden, I heard a rustle of leaves way up high.  Looking up, I saw the top of a tall tree beginning to fall and a scary wood crackling sound.  Although it was far away, this tree was tall enough that it could come close to crashing down on my older son.  "Marshall, do not move!"  He was kind of protected by the trunk of a tree that had fallen previously.  I was breathless for at least five seconds until I realized it was only a large branch breaking.  I could see the leaves of the tree trembling as the branch made its way to the ground.  We were no where near danger after all, but for a moment...ugh.


So now these woods had spooked me a second time.  I looked around at the "messy" forest floor and thought about the drought a few years back and how it seems we are still seeing results of that in dying trees all over the city.  In my neighborhood, it's common to see tree removal--and usually big, old trees that have rotted away.


The boys were wet, it was getting dangerously close to lunch time and after the tree incident, I decided we'd had plenty of adventure for the day.  So we made our way out, but not before finding some fossils in rocks along the way.

I'm no expert, but I believe this one is called a Crinoid.  Mariemont is full of fossilized rocks, in its woods and in structures built throughout the village.  Look for a future post on this topic, as it is one that has interested me in recent times.

After an adventure on the Dogwood Park trails, you can make your way back up the concrete steps by the boat house and have a snack at the picnic shelter

 and visit the restrooms located inside the lovely Bell Tower.



Since we did all that before our hike, I plopped the boys and their wet feet into the stroller and headed home!  The trails at Dogwood do not go very far, but you can still spend a couple hours having a big adventure in the woods.  Then, hit the Starbucks on your way home.