Blaze a Trail for Play

GameTime and MRC Recreation recently completed a PlayTrail at Binney Park in Greenwich, CT that infuses play with the natural surroundings. 

The PlayTrail at Binney Park is part of a months-long revitalization project. The 32-acre park at the center of Old Greenwich was an underutilized area the Parks Department wanted to restore and beautify. With the help of the Binney Parks Board and Landscape Architect, Martha Lyon, the city developed a walking trail that provided families with an opportunity to be physically active.

Not an ordinary walking trail

Along the trail are nature-themed play areas: bees, trees, butterflies and mushrooms. Each of these Play Pockets provides children and families an opportunity to stop and play, learn more about the animals or habitats represented by the educational signage or participate in a fun activity. Each play pocket is installed at a comfortable distance from each other to encourage people to keep exploring the trail that encircles the central gazebo. 

In addition to the PlayTrail, Binney Park features a playground for pre-school aged children, a softball field and open spaces for people to gather and relax with friends and family. 

About PlayTrails

The PlayTrails concept was designed by GameTime in partnership with PlayCore and NC State University Natural Learning Initiative to help children and families reconnect with the outdoors. 

By combining nature-themed playground equipment with trails and greenways, PlayTrails creates a playful trail experience for children and families. Play activities are grouped by theme (i.e. ants, bees, trees or leaves) and installed in pockets of play along a path or trail. As families explore the trail, they encounter play pockets that promote physical activity and fun. Each play pocket includes educational signage with fun facts and activities related to the theme. Learn more at gametime.com/playtrails