At Irma Coulson Public School in Milton, Ontario, we collaborated with Evergreen and the Halton District School Board to develop an inspiring initiative to transform the entire school ground into an outdoor learning hub. The newly designed playground is a centerpiece of this transformation—a vibrant, natural space where students, families, and the broader community can gather, relax, play, and learn beyond traditional school hours.
A range of consultation methods—from stakeholder meetings and site walks to interactive workshops—ensured that students, community members, and school administrators had a direct hand in shaping the design. The result is a dynamic playground featuring a curated selection of natural play equipment that offers active, challenging, and imaginative play. This space not only invites exploration and fun but also fosters a strong sense of place, pride, and ownership among those who use it.
As Canada’s first Climate Ready School in 2022, the Irma Coulson Public School project integrates innovative principles inspired by Berlin’s Sponge Schools initiative. In collaboration with Berlin-based landscape architect Birgit Teichmann and local Canadian experts, the design ensures that the school grounds absorb 100% of on-site rainfall—mitigating flood risks and restoring the natural landscape.
