Nature play spaces are popping up everywhere. After scoping out Schaumburg’s Bison’s Bluff, I was equally excited to check out the newest nature play space which happens to be located in my old neighborhood of East Dundee. Named after a type of bird found in the area, Wahoo Woods is an ideal spot to encourage a little one-on-one time with nature. Celebrate with the community at the grand opening this Saturday, May 13 from 2-4:30 p.m.
Grand opening details
Saturday, May 13, 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
555 Barrington Avenue, East Dundee (behind Dundee Library)
Besides exploring the play space, there will be other fun things to do including guided walks of Library Springs Open Space. Also, local groups will participate in a Nature Fair with activities based on nature play. Some of the local organizations include:
Friends of the Fox River
Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation
Dundee Township Park District
Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
Village of East Dundee
Dundee Township Lions Club
Morton Arboretum
Elgin Public Museum
Artisticology
L.L. Bean
Jamba Juice
Main Street Bicycles
Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce
Getting the chance to experience nature is essential to children’s health and well-being. The 50-acre space will give kids and families access to unstructured exploration within the natural surrounding elements. Kids can hop from tree stump to tree stump or climb boulders and hay bales. Do they love building and creating? They can make their own fort using branches and other things they find around them. Little artists can create nature art. There is also a plan in place to add native plants to attract butterflies and birds, and the grassy area will be used as a gathering place and outdoor classroom for up to 25 students and their parents.
Tips to know:
Dress to play outside.
Overflow parking will be available at the Rakow Center, located two doors down from the library at 665 Barrington Ave. Parking will also be available on surrounding streets.
The grand opening event is free to attend and no registration is necessary.
Dogs are not allowed in Wahoo Woods, but they are more than welcome to explore Library Springs Open Space (on a leash, please).
Before or after exploring the area, grab a book at the Dundee Library located across the parking lot. (The library has some fun events planned at Wahoo Woods throughout the summer. Register at www.frvpld.info, call (847) 428-3661 and press 2, or visit in person.)
Don’t let the fun end there. Discover more family-friendly things to do in the charming town of Dundee.
Read more about our visit to Wahoo Woods (with pictures galore) here.
