On April 25, NRPA joined American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF) and almost 100 volunteers in a joint dedication-workday for a new natural playground in Belleville, Illinois. Made possible through a $109,000 grant from AWCF, Bellevue Park now boasts a tree fort with climbing net and log shimmy, rock slide, climbing wall and sand box with water sluice. The city also installed a pollinator slope with interpretive signage. These are just a few of the aspects that make this new natural play area unique in the region and one of few like it nationwide.

If your agency is thinking about developing a natural playground, consider talking with the city of Belleville. If you are planning to join the 2016 NRPA Annual Conference in St. Louis, Bellevue Park is only 45 minutes outside the city.

This project was made possible through a partnership between NRPA and AWCF. 

Jimmy O'Connor is NRPA's Director of Grants and Partnerships.