In Jacksonville North Carolina, Miss M’s Tot University began the Shape NC project with the goal of increasing the size of their outdoor space to accommodate best practice interventions.

The design for this center includes an addition of almost an acre of land to the licensed outdoor space. After moving a fence line, adding shade trees, and providing a new trike track made of crushed shells, the outdoor learning environment still has plenty of room for growth. Existing settings were enhanced to include several dramatic play stations with shade structures and existing play equipment. Raised beds are installed in multiple locations and illustrate gardening and food production. Much of this work was supported by the Shape NC grant.

Additional fund-raising efforts by the center enabled them to make significant changes, such installing a fence around the newly acquired acre of land. Many young trees planted in the new space will soon provide deep cooling shade during summer months, as well as natural loose materials for play in the fall when they drop their leaves.

Miss M’s Tot University will continue to incrementally improve their outdoor learning environment by following the plans provided through the Shape NC project. Future improvements include a large sand play area with a boat, a stage, large dedicated gardening area, and storage sheds.