The rejuvenation of Claremont Childcare in Pickering is inspired by the vivid Autumn Foliage painting by Tom Thomson, a member of the Group of Seven with roots in Pickering. The Toddler and Preschool areas have been thoughtfully designed with a palette drawn from the painting that reflects nature’s canvas.
In the Preschool area, a vibrant landscape unfolds, featuring a slide platform with stacky-stack access and a climbing wall. An acrylic window provides a visual connection to the toddler side, fostering interaction between the different age groups. A strategically placed shade umbrella ensures a comfortable play environment on sunny days. The space includes an Alpine Hut that can serve as a cosy reading nook, while a chalkboard sparks creativity. Timber edging with boulders, a stump table, and raised planting beds for communal gardening contribute to a harmonious blend of nature and play.
On the Toddler side, the palisade wall integrates a chalkboard and horizontal boards for musical play, allowing educators to hang chimes and create a dynamic auditory experience. An acrylic wall facilitates communication with the preschoolers. The toddler area boasts a Mountain Cabin with a bench, a sandpit with an oak bench featuring a transfer handle, rumble stones for trikes, a mud kitchen, and a stump table surrounded by plantings. This complete renovation embodies Claremont Childcare’s commitment to providing a rich, immersive, and age-appropriate play environment that also pays homage to the local artist’s legacy.
The collaboration between caregivers, children, and the design team has resulted in a revitalized space where creativity, exploration, and natural beauty come together, setting the stage for unforgettable early childhood experiences at Claremont Childcare.