Blaine Courtyard Playground
Public Work – University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

The Blaine courtyard playground lies between Blaine Hall and the university high school on the historic campus of the University of Chicago Lab Schools, and is geared toward students in grades 3 through 5. School officials sought to replace an existing playground with a more updated and usable space that blends in and complements the historic nature of the campus. A large oak tree sits at the north entry corner which is being surrounded by a climbable tree house. The theme of using natural materials as the building blocks of the playground is continued with a climbing structure made of logs and boulders, a digging pit surrounded by upright logs, and a play tunnel. Vine canopies create an exciting opportunity for hide and seek, while natural benches and plantings are placed throughout to add to the natural setting.