Acorn Acres to Close for Experience Improvement Renovations

Starting Monday, September 19, Acorn Acres will close for several months while undergoing a major experience improvement upgrade. Click the image or stop by the Nature Center to check out renderings of the reimagined nature-based playscape.

The vision for the renovated Acorn Acres is to create an inclusive play experience that incorporates elements from nature to educate and engage visitors. The new and improved Acorn Acres will give children a place to be creative and use their imagination for unstructured play. Instead of conventional manufactured play equipment, Acorn Acres will feature trees, logs, and rocks to stimulate the sense and provide a gateway for children to feel comfortable in nature.

A key element of Fontenelle Forest’s mission is to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world. By providing a place for children to play in a natural setting, we hope to strengthen the connection young people feel to the outdoors. Outdoor play gives children a place and a reason to unplug, as well as the opportunity to be more physically active. Spending time outside also can improve your mental health, reduces stress, develops social skills, and results in better academic performance and overall happiness.

For the safety of visitors and staff, we ask that guests refrain from entering Acorn Acres during the renovation. While these upgrades are being made, we encourage children and their caregivers to take this opportunity to visit Habitat Hollow, our indoor nature-based activity area for children (in the lower level of the Nature Center).

Our team will continue to post updates to this blog post as progress is made to Acorn Acres. Check back over the next few months for more details!