If you build it, they will shovel.
With support from a DPR-Sundt Joint Venture team, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix this past Saturday opened a permanent sandbox near its entrance. The feature was inspired by the Museum’s annual SandFest, where 30 tons of sand are temporarily placed on the grounds each May for kids to enjoy.
The sandbox’s border is shaped like a rattlesnake. Labor and materials were donated by the joint venture team, which is constructing the nearby Biosciences Partnership Building.
“Sundt was so generous in helping us with our SandFest event last year, and in doing so saw how much all the Museum visitors loved playing in sand,” said Kate Wells, CEO of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. “When they came to us and offered to build a permanent sand exhibit at the Museum – and then showed us a conceptual design – we knew right away that they were the kind of partners we love to work with! They very generously designed the exhibit and pulled in many great sub-contractors who all worked together to build one of our favorite new Museum play spaces. We are forever grateful.”
Sand play is important to child development. According to Sandra Crosser, Associate Professor at Ohio Northern University and Author of Making the Most of Sand Play, “There is no right way to use sand. It invites participation. It permits children to make and test hypotheses. It stretches the imagination. It provides a potentially soothing sensory experience. It is an excellent avenue for children to learn physical, cognitive and social skills.”