Montessori School of Englewood New ADA Playlots

When Montessori School of Englewood moved into the building in 2016, they inherited deteriorated playlots that were not safe for use. While those existing lots were removed, it left students without playground equipment to climb, slide, explore, and just be kids. Through Chicago Public School’s annual playlot initiative, Epstein was selected to provide civil engineering services to install new playlots at three CPS schools. In addition to Montessori School of Englewood, Epstein is also providing civil engineering services for new playlots at Kershaw Elementary School and McKay Elementary School, all on Chicago’s South Side.

The Montessori School of Englewood sought to divide the play spaces between pre-school and elementary school students, offering seclusion, shade, nature-based play, and a multi-sensory experience that aligns with the Montessori teaching methods.

The two new ADA compliant playlots include the 1,951 square foot south playlot, open to students 5 to 12-years-old, and the 1,628 square foot north playlot, for students 2-5 year-olds. Each feature decorative, brightly colored pavement markings, a newly striped kickball court and two four square courts.

The new playground equipment offers natural colors, sensory boards, hollow log tunnels, and balance beams for student-led exploration. The design incorporates Mighty Monarch school spirit with the addition of custom butterfly logos printed on sensory boards, and butterfly-friendly plantings including 24 Dwarf Korean Lilacs. The school also wanted to convert as much asphalt as possible into grass. As a result, Epstein was able to reserve enough of the given budget to convert sections of pavement into grass and plant four shade trees which helps knit together the adjacent community garden. This project is aimed to be a catalyst for continued fundraising and campus improvements for students and the community. In fact, the south playlot was coordinated with a future de-paving project under design and a future turf field to be built based on funding.

Epstein worked with Petrea Collaborative as design architect for this effort.