The Bender Early Childhood Center Preschool, located at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington in Rockville has a newly designed and established nature play area. The space is organized around a circular path connecting a variety of elements to support children and adults spending time in the out-of-doors.

There are large and small gathering spaces, places for outdoor building and creating, and spots for imaginary play, as well as a variety of adventurous active play opportunities. A sculptural fallen tree provides a place for natural climbing. A hand pump is the source of a cascading dry stream/waterfall. The space serves the pre-school students and families a critical opportunity for daily interaction with nature.

​ ​ Fort building is a regular activity
​ Textured spaces provide interest	​ Loose parts for play
Mud Kitchen	​ Loose Parts
Climbing Tree​	​ Another way of reaching the Slide
​ Sandbox with carved tables	​ Sand Play
​ Climbing & seating from Logs	​ Hill slide and stump climb
​ Pathway with varying materials	​ Ready for fort building