Felton MLK Childcare Center

San Francisco, CA

Project Description

In BASE’s design for the Felton Institute’s preschool in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood, we doubled down on the school’s goal to encourage each child’s natural curiosity, risk-taking, and interest in learning. Transforming the existing outdoor space from a prescriptive hardscape to a dynamic nature-based playscape required collaboration, vision, and a commitment to creative solutions. Working with Rocky Mountain Woodworks, SF Department of Rec and Park, LIIF, and Friends of the Urban Forest, BASE played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life. And life abounds with new edible plantings, shade trees, and natural play materials. We took the approach that every surface was a precious opportunity for sensory stimulation. Fences are not simply fences but natural portals; ramps become launching pads for a custom cart-track weaving through newly planted trees; existing guardrail panels become chalkboards. As verified by the excited chirps of kids exploring their new custom playground, this imaginative method has brought an exuberant new identity to Felton’s outdoor space.

client. Felton Institute, LIIF

team. BASE Landscape Architecture

         Dorman Associates       

year completed. 2025

photos. Maria Durana

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Design process