ENCHANTED WOODS 

GROUNDBREAKING FALL 2026

The Story Behind the Enchanted Woods

The Enchanted Woods project began with a vision introduced by former Executive Director Henry Owen, who imagined a renewed, research-informed nature play area that would better meet the needs of today’s families. The Nature Discovery Center is collaborating with TBG Partners and StudioRed Architects to design a play environment rooted in child development, nature education, and joyful exploration. With design now nearly complete, the Board of Directors is working with Forney Contruction to bring this vision to life, marking a major step as the project moves toward construction later this fall.

A Reimagined Nature Play Experience

The Enchanted Woods will transform our current nature play area into an immersive, dynamic landscape where children can climb, dig, splash, build, imagine, and discover the natural world.

Why Nature Play Matters

Nature play helps children grow in ways traditional playgrounds can’t. It sparks creativity, builds confidence, strengthens coordination, and supports emotional well-being. Most of all, it nurtures a lifelong love of the natural world. The Enchanted Woods is designed to give every child access to these powerful, research-backed benefits.

Help Us Build Something Magical

This $2.5 million project will serve the thousands of families who rely on the Nature Discovery Center each year and we have already raised 84% of our goal. With your support, we can bring the Enchanted Woods to life for our entire community. Your gift today helps build a place where children can run, climb, splash, explore, and discover the magic of nature.

Three signature play zones, anchored by the Cottage Classroom, along with the Observation Deck.

1. Imagination Meadow

Open-ended, creative play with natural materials like sand, rocks, logs, and boulders. Built for storytelling, social play, and child-directed exploration.

2. Discovery Creek

A water zone celebrating movement and flow, including a spraying frog spitter and a pump and runnel that invite hands-on problem solving.

3. Nature Workshop

A high-energy zone for older explorers, built for balance, confidence, and creativity. This featured area includes the Treehouse Terrace Tower and Treetop Tower, connected by a rope bridge.

Cottage Classroom 

A welcoming, fully air-conditioned classroom acting as a launch point for nature programs, camps, school groups, and community learning.

The classroom will feature:

• Seating for 24 at tables
• 18′ of counterspace
• Sink for cleanup
• Wall-mounted TV for presentations
• Restroom for classroom use

Observation Deck

An elevated overlook for wildlife observation and nature study, leading directly into the Cottage Classroom entrance connecting exploration with hands-on learning.

The Enchanted Woods is more than a playground. It is a place where imagination flourishes, families come together, and children build meaningful connections with the natural world. As we move closer to breaking ground, every contribution helps bring this unique destination to life. Your support will create a space where generations can learn, explore, and make cherished memories. Join us in turning this vision into reality and help build a lasting legacy of wonder, discovery, and outdoor adventure.

For more information, contact Darenda Dorsey, Development Director, at Development@naturediscoverycenter.org

Watch the Woods Come to Life!

Thank You to Our Generous Donors

as of 5/08/26.

Trees Generously Donated By: 

Note: Any additional funds raised will support ongoing maintenance or future enhancements of the Enchanted Woods project. Thank you for your support of our mission and for helping bring this exciting initiative to life. We are deeply grateful to our supporters and for this meaningful moment in the expansion of the Nature Discovery Center.