The Boys & Girls Club of Worcester Great Brook Valley

The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our goal was to compliment their robust program with diverse, open-ended outdoor play and learning opportunities that inspire connection and care for local ecology. We took our design cue from the Brook running adjacent to the property. Hidden from the existing site and choked out with invasives, the landscape is anchored around an ambitious wetland restoration.

The plan restores native habitat and introduces ecological plant communities into the Boys and Girls Club landscape with colonies of Staghorn Sumac, swaths of native blueberry bushes, and pollinator meadows. Hardscape and utilities are water-wise and permeable to recharge the hydrological system.

A trail with boardwalks overlooking the brook invites club members to engage with local ecology, utilizing ‘citizen science stations’ to collect samples, and observe and record water quality and habitat data. The extensive trail network invites a woodland walk that doubles as a trike, scooter, and bike loop for multi-modal learning. The main play hill hugs the main yard, with flexible space for large-scale events and open-ended game play. The sloped play area features multi-height slides, boulder scrambles, and climbing nets to provide gross motor play for multiple age ranges. The design is aiming for a distinctly summer camp vibe, a safe, fun, and welcoming space to explore and connect with nature.

Location: Worcester, MA

Role: Landscape Architect

Architect: Bloom Architecture

Client: The Boys and Girls Club