The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the City of Pittsburgh, community organizations, and other key stakeholders will plan and design a fully inclusive Sensory Classroom geared towards learners of all abilities at the Frick Environmental Center (FEC). The project will create a series of different sensory experiences and teaching moments of various sizes and scales, organized along an accessible route that winds through the natural landscape at the FEC. The space will provide opportunities for structured learning, play, discovery, observation, and gathering. The Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust will be funding this planning and design process.

The estimated completion date for the design is July 1, 2023. To stay informed about upcoming public meetings and surveys, click the "follow" button at the top of this page to be notified of when there are updates to this project.

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Preferred Plan design for the Sensory Classroom

The Preferred Plan creates two distinct sensory spaces: the Nature Exploration Space and the Nature Trail. The Nature Exploration Space includes two gathering areas with seating and shade, mud kitchens, work tables, a garden kaleidoscope, and low-fence. The Nature Trail winds through the existing forest and incorporates balance steppers, timber fort, raised forest floor exploration space, a pebble harp, and seating. All spaces are connected with accessible pathways. Each feature was selected to provide users a means of engagement through multiple senses.


Initial Concepts Presentation Recording