Playgrounds are much more than an area where children have fun. Natural playgrounds are important because they provide children with green and natural spaces to explore and learn. Playgrounds made from natural elements have been found to have benefits for children by promoting outdoor play and improving health, socialization, and motor skills.

Metro United Way joined forces with Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C) and the Children at Play Network, an initiative of Bernheim Forest, to design and build a natural playground at La Casita Center. Metro United Way provided investments and Early Learning ARPA funds from Louisville Metro Government to build this, as well as 11 other natural play spaces in Louisville.

These natural playgrounds are the latest in those that Metro United Way has helped make happen across our community. Others include Trinity House, Keystone Learning Academy, and Neighborhood House.