A place for kids to play, build, and explore in nature.
Our accessible and unique play space encourages children to connect with the natural world by building nests with sticks, creating forts, scrambling up and down a hillside, exploring a simulated stream, and much more!
General Info
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset daily
FREE Admission: $3 per person suggested donation
Conestee Nature Preserve is owned and operated by a nonprofit. Donations go directly to the Preserve and its programs.
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Maintaining a kid's play area requires constant maintenance. The best way to support the continuous operation of the Nature Playscape is to join Friends of the Playscape. Enjoy fun perks and support outdoor play for all kids!
Location & Parking
The Nature Playscape is located at our Lake Entrance (B on our map) located at 840 Mauldin Rd.
Activities & Events
Guidelines for Visiting
This is not a playground, it is a nature playscape. As such, it has unique benefits to children, but also unique risks and precautions. Beware of overhead branches, splinters, insects, animals and other risks common in a natural environment.
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Play at your own risk.
Supervision required.
Use features as intended.
Play safe – in age appropriate areas.
Eat only in designated areas (picnic tables and benches). No glassware or alcoholic beverages.
No smoking.
No pets.
No bikes or skateboards.
Play Safely
While there are inherent risks to exploring our Nature Playscape, we strive to make the area as safe as possible.​
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If an emergency or injury does occur:
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In the event of a serious emergency, always call 9-1-1 first.
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An accessible first-aid kit is located on the kiosk across from the Nature Playscape entrance.
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Once the situation is under control, please report it to CNP staff by contacting nature-playscape@conesteepreserve.org
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Although it is not a playground, the Nature Playscape is regularly inspected by a certified playground inspector.
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Our staff and trusted volunteers conduct frequent inspections. If you see a potential risk or hazard, please contact nature-playscape@conesteepreserve.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Nature Playscape open to school groups?
At this time, groups of more than 10 are not permitted.
Q: Is there a restroom nearby?
There is a portable toilet at the nature playscape. The nearest restrooms are located a short walk away in the adjacent baseball field complex. You can use this map for reference.
Q: What should my kids wear?
Getting dirty is part of the fun! So, dress accordingly. We encourage kids to wear clothes that can get wet and muddy. But please, no swimsuits. Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Q: Is the Nature Playscape intended for any particular age?
The Nature Playscape is designed for kids 5-12. The Knee-High Nook area within the Playscape is specifically designed to provide toddlers with a safe place to play.
Q: Is the Nature Playscape ADA-accessible?
Pathways through the upper portion of the Nature Playscape are wheelchair accessible, but not all features can be navigated by wheelchair. Unfortunately, due to fluctuations in terrain, the lower portion of the Playscape cannot be accessed by wheelchair.
Q: Can I picnic at the Nature Playscape?
Yes, but please only eat and drink at the picnic tables and benches. No glassware or alcoholic beverages. The picnic area can be reserved for a fee. Click here to learn more and make your reservation!
Q: Is the water in the stream and spigots safe?
The stream is designed to simulate a real waterway found in nature. It's not designed to be a swimming pool and does not meet those standards. While water in the stream goes through a UV filtration system, it is not considered safe to drink. Neither is the water from the nearby spigots. Water quality tests are performed weekly.
Other Questions?
Why a nature playscape and not a playground?
Children’s connection to the natural world is essential for their healthy growth and well-
being, but it’s also under threat. On average, a child spends 7 minutes a day outside and
over 7 hours on a screen.
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Our Nature Playscape is thoughtfully designed to combat this nature deficit by providing children with an accessible, natural place to explore.​
Nature play provides countless benefits, including:
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Physical activity
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Promotes creativity and imagination
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Builds confidence and increases agency
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Teaches risk-management skills
Support the Nature Playscape
We're replacing screen time with time outdoors. Help us do it.
Gifts, big and small, will make a significant impact on our capacity to positively impact the community through the nature playscape. With a gift over $500, you have the option to be recognized on our unique donor wall.
Feature Sponsors
