A playful garden space where children explore nature, science, and sustainability
Gardens Abuzz at Corinthian Gardens
Gardens Abuzz at Corinthian Gardens brings playful learning to a neighborhood garden managed by the Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park. Corinthian Gardens began in 2012 with the planting of fruit and nut trees and officially opened to the public in 2020 after years of planning with neighbors, city partners, Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Fairmount Community Development Corporation. Today, the garden includes edible forest gardens, a natural play area, picnic spaces, a demonstration garden, garden walk, personal plots, and a garden shed with a rain garden and educational activity space.
The Learning Goals
Gardens Abuzz supports the 6 Cs of playful learning: collaboration, communication, content, creative innovation, and confidence. Children and caregivers are invited to observe plants, bugs, animals, water, and seasonal changes while talking together about what they notice. The rain garden and outdoor classroom support early science learning by helping children explore sustainability, habitats, and the role of nature in the city!
The Team
Gardens Abuzz at Corinthian Gardens was created through Play Everywhere Philadelphia in partnership with Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park, KABOOM!, Playful Learning Landscapes, the Community Design Collaborative, and neighborhood partners.
Supporters
Gardens Abuzz was supported through Play Everywhere Philly, a citywide initiative led by KABOOM! with support from the William Penn Foundation.
