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Muncie, IN
WONDER WOODS
The YMCA partnered with FlatLand Resources to challenge the outdoor education norms by facilitating a complete rethinking of the functional experience for a pre-K child. Complete with indoor and outdoor elements, this was the second nature play space FlatLand has created for the Muncie YMCA.
2024-2025
The Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center nature-play landscape transforms underutilized school grounds into an immersive, child-centered environment that supports holistic development, deepens connections to nature, and fosters lifelong relationships between people and the natural world.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In the early 2010s, Muncie faced many economic issues related to industry shifts and factory closures. As the city’s population decreased and the tax base dwindled, many community resources struggled with the shift in funding and decreased demand. During this time, Ball State University assumed management of Muncie Community Schools. This resulted in the restructuring and closure of schools that no longer fit the current population and resources. As a result of these consolidations, several unused school properties were available to be repurposed.
Located in the Halteman Village neighborhood, the former Mitchell Elementary School was purchased by the YMCA and renamed the Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center. The YMCA reimagined this school using the Reggio Emilia approach that focuses on curiosity as a guiding philosophy and environment as an integral player in a child’s education. Combined with the YMCA’s commitment to meeting key milestones before 5, this space was the perfect area to build a different kind of education. While the curriculum changed quickly, the surrounding landscape remained the same, with 4.9 acres of flat, unused recreational fields with little to no play structures. Motivated by a vision for more outdoor play, the YMCA was able to invest in a small toddler nature-play area. The success of this small change in the landscape led to the award of an Early Learning Indiana grant in 2022.
Flatland Resources was hired to design and construct a large expansion of the remaining grassy field into a Montessori-style nature play area with dynamic topography and distinct zones for exploration. Design concepts were centered on creating an immersive, nature-based play landscape inspired by regional history and landform traditions. Drawing from Indigenous mound-building precedents, the design leaned into earthworks as an organizational structure, creating a perimeter landform that responds to sun angles while framing a series of interconnected play spaces scaled for early-learners of all ages. In addition to intricate earthworks, the site features a raised clubhouse, a sensory garden, an outdoor classroom, hydrologic play, and several other natural structures that facilitate safe outdoor exploration.
Since breaking ground in 2023, Mitchell has seen a dramatic increase in daily outdoor time for pupils of all ages, supporting physical, cognitive, and social development and establishing an understanding of a healthy, reciprocal relationship between people and planet.
PROJECT PERSONNEL
PHIL
project lead
+project manager
+project designer
"Flat Land Resources thoughtfully brought our vision to life—designing a space through the eyes of a child while supporting educators and honoring Early Learning licensing regulations. Each day, watching our children play and explore Wonder Woods and fills my heart with joy. What a special place it has become for our children and families."
- Janette Stanely, Muncie YMCA, Director of Youth Development
COUNCIL RING
BUTTERFLY GARDEN
"Wonder Woods has profoundly impacted children’s learning in countless ways. While immersed in this natural environment, children are constantly exploring, discovering, and engaging in ways that simply aren’t possible within the classroom walls. The outdoor setting offers organic opportunities for learning, encouraging body awareness, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth through unstructured play and sensory experiences. Being out in nature nurtures curiosity and fosters developmental milestones in a more authentic, child-led manner."
- Infant/Toddler Teacher 6wks-3yrs
COUNCIL RING
ONCELER HOUSE
Wonder Woods has truly transformed my child’s learning experience and deepened their love for nature. Through outdoor play, my child has developed a strong connection to nature—finding joy in simply being outside, crawling on the ground, and exploring everything around them with curiosity and excitement. The hands-on, open-ended environment has encouraged a sense of wonder and discovery that continues to grow each day.
- Parent of a Mitchell Family
ONCELER HOUSE
COUNCIL RING
As a parent, I am incredibly grateful to Mitchell and the dedicated teachers who have thoughtfully invested in creating a space that nurtures not just physical development, but also a lifelong appreciation for nature. Their commitment to providing meaningful, Nature-Based experiences has had a lasting impact on our children’s learning, growth, and well-being.
- Parent of a Mitchell Family
KING OF THE HILL
TRUFFOLA FOREST
SNAKE PIT
BUTTERFLY GARDEN
As an educator, the Wonder Woods has also transformed my own approach to teaching. It has encouraged me to become more flexible and responsive, shifting my focus to creating intentional, developmentally appropriate activities using the natural materials and moments around us. This space has allowed for deeper connections with the children and a renewed appreciation for how powerful outdoor learning can be.
- Ms. Kathryn- Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher 6wks-3yrs
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