Douglas Boulevard
North Lawndale, Chicago

Using the dynamic surroundings of Douglas Boulevard (both the natural and built environments), Chicago Children’s Museum was able to transform an everyday high-traffic area into a playful learning experience in North Lawndale. Colorful components invite children and their caring adults to use the setting to build math skills. Designed to complement the park-like setting, Douglas Boulevard connects schools, hospitals, and parks, while inviting children and their caregivers to observe and utilize what is all around them to build math skills.

An activity table, large tactile illustrations, and colorful math stools invite children and their caregivers to use the space to explore learning and play through counting, sorting, and examining the qualities of materials and patterns. Both a tactile and visual experience, Douglas Boulevard helps children to notice shapes in their everyday surroundings while creating more opportunities for math learning.

Chicago Children’s Museum collaborated with Illinois Action for Children, Playful Learning Landscapes, and Metropolitan Family Services to conceptualize math learning experiences in the North Lawndale neighborhood.

For any inquiries regarding Playful Learning Landscapes, please contact our Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Amy Spar, at amys@chicagochildrensmuseum.org