After three years of planning, design and construction, Conestee Nature Preserve opened its nature playscape April 12.
Located near the preserve’s Lake entrance off of Mauldin Road, the fully fenced-in structure is situated on just under an acre behind Conestee Park’s baseball stadium.
“Nearly the entire playscape was made with repurposed lumber, from fallen black locust trees, an extremely durable and rot-resistant wood, that supports every structure to the benches, bridge, archway and walkways that were constructed with oak trees that had fallen in Helene and then milled to be used,” said Josh Zalabak, advancement director with Conestee Nature Preserve. “Our storyteller’s area features a truly stunning chair that was carved out of a massive oak tree that sadly fell in (Hurricane) Helene.”
The playscape’s other featured elements include climbing structures like Beaver Lodge, large downed trees and a rock scramble, and a creek running through the center where children may look for animals.
“Our Explorer’s Overlook and Heron’s Nest are essentially giant sprawling tree houses that kids can climp up and down, observe wildlife on the ground from above and in the trees that surround them,” Zalabak said. “We’ve also integrated multiple spaces where kid’s creativity will be their guide, with loose parts to build with, make forts from branches, or get muddy.”
More photos: Playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve
While the nature playscape was designed for children 12 years old and younger, it also has a dedicated space for children ages 3 and under.
Conestee Nature Preserve is located at 840 Mauldin Road. For more information, visit conesteepreserve.org.
