The average child spends only 7 minutes per day outside, but over 7 hours per day in front of a screen. This imbalance has been shown to limit physical, mental and emotional development. Especially during this extended period of difficulty for young people, we believe it is necessary for Conestee Nature Preserve to do even more to encourage outdoor exploration.
It is with this commitment in mind that we share our exciting new plans for a Nature Playscape at the Preserve!
This "playground" will have almost no actual playground equipment. Instead, its engaging and interactive features will be built from natural elements like those found in the Preserve. In the Playscape, nature will truly be your playground! This expertly designed landscape will provide a safe place to freely play, where kids can turn over rocks, splash in a stream, explore, hide, climb and unlock their creativity!
The funds we raise through this effort will go towards the design phase of our Nature Playscape, estimated to cost $25,000. We are pursuing numerous grant opportunities and additional sources of funding to construct the Playscape after design is complete, an estimated cost of $250,000.
Our goal is to break ground on construction of the nature playscape by the end of 2022.
About us
The Conestee Nature Preserve is a 406-acre, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, state-designated Wildlife Sanctuary located just five miles south of downtown Greenville. We are an accessible oasis of natural beauty within the most developed section of the Upstate. Since the Preserve was opened to the public in 2006, we have steadily expanded its acreage, trails, amenities, and programming each year. Today CNP includes over 13 miles of trails, boardwalks, and bog walks; 11 wildlife observation decks; and 40 self-guided learning stations presenting the natural history and the human history of the property.