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Landscape architecture firm Mayer/Reed recently earned two regional awards for the design of a playground at the Portland Children’s Museum.

The Oregon chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects honored Mayer/Reed’s design of the museum’s Outdoor Adventure with a merit award as part of the 2014 ASLA Oregon Design Awards. They are judged by design professionals, and recognize professional and student excellence in landscape architecture and environmental planning.

The Intertwine Alliance, a coalition of public, private and nonprofit organizations that supports parks, trails and natural areas in the Portland-metro area, recognized Outdoor Adventure with a 2014 Force of Nature Award for Outstanding Project. The annual, peer-nominated awards recognize efforts to advance a robust, region-wide network of interconnected nature areas, parks and trails.

Mayer/Reed designers worked closely with Portland Children’s Museum staffers and teachers to create the 1.3-acre playground, which opened this past spring and is geared to encourage children to play in nature. A previously inaccessible slope adjacent to the museum was transformed into an area where kids can explore and learn about the natural environment. A sand play area, rock slopes, grass mounds and a streambed are included. The outdoor space also has an amphitheater, a campfire area, and a pavilion for classes and performances.