A playful park for math, storytelling, and problem solving
Thinkscape Park
Imagine a park where everyday play transforms into opportunities for learning and connection. At MOMI Thinkscape Park in Morristown, NJ, climbing structures, puzzles, and storytelling prompts are designed to spark conversations between children and caregivers while building early math, literacy, and problem-solving skills. From exploring patterns etched into play panels to imagining new stories on community-inspired benches, each element encourages joyful interaction that reflects the cultural richness of Morristown. More than just a playground, MOMI Thinkscape Park is a research-based, community-driven space that turns outdoor play into a foundation for lifelong learning.
The Learning Goals
MOMI Thinkscape Park supports children’s playful communication with caregivers and peers around content in math, literacy, and storytelling. It encourages collaboration through shared challenges, creative innovation in imagining new stories and solutions, and critical thinking as children explore patterns, puzzles, and problem-solving activities. The park also nurtures confidence by providing opportunities to persist with engaging tasks and fosters cultural connection by highlighting the diverse traditions and voices of the Morristown community.
The Team
MOMI Thinkscape Park was developed through a dynamic collaboration between the Museum of Makers + Innovators (MOMI), design partner Bowman, the Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network, the Municipality of Morris Township, and Morris Marketplace developer DeVimy Equities. Lisa Sorenson and Nicole Pittaluga, co-founders of MOMI, provided the vision and local leadership, while Bowman’s landscape architecture team translated that vision into playful learning infrastructure.
Additional community partners essential to the project include John Cortese Masons, Kristin Lilley Design, Morris Brick & Stone, and the MOMI Board of Trustees.
Supporters
MOMI Thinkscape Park was funded by the Smart Family Foundation of New York, the Kirby Foundation, the MIMI Washington Starrett Foundation, the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors®, Riker Danzig LLP, and JMF Properties, with additional support from individual and anonymous donors.
