Tucked away in Binghamton, New York is one of the most outstanding places for children ever imaginable. Located in the same vicinity as The Zoo at Ross Park is The Discovery Center & The Story Garden.
Every step you take will lead you to somewhere amazing. The Story Garden is a wonderland of learning and non-stop fun for a wide range of ages. The entrance itself is stunning and gives you an inkling of things to come. There is a pathway to follow throughout the garden, bringing you through impeccably landscaped areas. Chill with a book, which can be found at different sections in the garden. The books are grouped together by themes, each correlating with the activities offered. The books available fit different reading levels.
The entire garden was impeccably designed. There is Peter Rabbit's Garden, where actual vegetables are grown & donated to a non-profit organization. Children can learn about gardening by helping water the garden with a fish watering can that is set up by the waterfall.
There is a miniature golf course for the kids to try, with a bench adjacent to the astro-turf for kids to read a book. Steps away, sits a lovely castle structure where children can let their imaginations run wild.
Further down the path is a stage for role-playing and an awesome jungle gym + a rock-climbing wall! Both areas offer more books to read and areas to sit and enjoy them. A hidden path with another place to lounge can be found after you have reached the top of the climbing wall. Next to this area is a treehouse; it is pretty spectacular.
There was a tiny house along the path. The roof was made from living plants- kids could learn about the process & see it in action for themselves. Small details added to the experience- there was a broom available for little ones to help clean the home. Located nearby was a paddle boat that really worked and a tiny bridge that little feet could explore.
The Three Bears cottage sits near the edge of the park. Both the exterior and interior design were outstanding. The interior was painted how one would imagine the home of the three bears to be. Children can share stories at the table or climb up the ladder to the 2nd level and check out the layout from above.
To make long story short: No details were overlooked. There were places to climb, explore, learn, and discover. Children were able to exercise both physical and mental strength. This place is well-done and other places throughout the country please take note. City planners should visit & make great efforts to replicate this project for their region. I cannot say enough good things about this playscape/learning area- it is fantastic beyond belief. Access to the Storybook Garden is compliments of The Junior League of Binghamton.
p.s. After you reach the end of the Storybook Garden, you can make your way to the Zoo at Ross Park, then to the historic carousel, which anyone can ride for free. There is also a playground. I will have to devote another post to the Discovery Center, located at the entrance of the Storybook Garden.
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