Location: Guilford County, North Carolina
Client: Peck Expeditionary Learning School
Project: Three New Playgrounds for a New Campus
A Playground Experience That Reflects a New Beginning
When Peck Expeditionary Learning School in Guilford County, North Carolina, opened the doors to its brand-new campus, it wasn’t just the building that brought excitement—it was the three new playgrounds that now sit proudly beside it. Designed to complement the school’s innovative approach to learning through exploration, these play spaces give students a safer and inspiring environment to play, grow, and learn.
The new playgrounds were designed with the school’s modern architecture and educational mission in mind. Each playground features bright pops of color, bold shapes, and thoughtful design details that connect back to the building itself—creating a cohesive and inviting outdoor environment for students of all ages.
Playground One: All-Ages Play with Style and Shade
The first playground is designed for children ages 2–12 and features a large deck play structure (Model PS3-32503) filled with climbing and sliding adventures. With multiple slides, climbers, and activity panels, it’s a favorite among students across grade levels. The playground is covered by a large shade structure, keeping children cool and comfortable even during sunny North Carolina afternoons.
Two shaded benches provide comfortable seating for teachers, while the poured-in-place rubber surfacing features playful circle graphics, a subtle nod to the circular design elements found throughout the school’s architecture. The cohesive visual language helps tie the outdoor and indoor environments together beautifully.
Playground Two: Adventure and Activity for Ages 5–12
The second playground caters to older children (ages 5–12) who are ready for more challenging climbing and active play. This zone features a larger play structure with multiple slides and climbing routes designed to promote upper body strength, coordination, and teamwork.
The playground also includes an impressive selection of freestanding play equipment, such as:
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Net Climber
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Musical Instruments
Two shade structures keep this area cool and inviting, while shaded benches offer a place to rest or supervise. The poured-in-place surfacing with circle patterns mirrors the design theme of the first playground, reinforcing the school’s playful and unified aesthetic. The surfacing also includes mounds for jumping and climbing.
Playground Three: Movement, Music, and Imagination
The third playground is another 2–12 age play area and continues the theme of exploration and energy. Its central play structure offers multiple slides and climbers, including a triple racing slide that sparks friendly competition and excitement among students.
Freestanding musical instruments encourage creative expression and cooperative play, while molded mounds incorporated into the surfacing invite children to jump, climb, and balance, adding a fun, natural feel to the space. Like the others, this playground also includes shaded benches and poured-in-place surfacing with circle patterns that visually connect all three play areas.
A Unified Vision: Color, Comfort, and Connection
All three playgrounds share a cohesive color scheme of gray, sky blue, and spring green, perfectly matching the school’s architectural palette. The combination of cool tones and vibrant accents reflects Peck’s fresh, modern identity and helps each play space feel both distinct and connected.
The result is an outdoor environment that seamlessly integrates with the school’s mission—encouraging curiosity, creativity, and connection. Whether students are climbing, sliding, making music, or simply taking a break under the shade, Peck’s new playgrounds offer endless opportunities for joy and discovery.