Easter Seals Tri-Counties has unveiled plans to build Discovery Village, an outdoor natural enhanced play environment designed for children to learn and play in an integrated, inclusive setting that is uniquely challenging and fun.

Of the estimated 10,271 children ages 0-5 in Easter Seals' Ventura County service area afflicted with a disability, only 5 percent (505 children) are currently served by Easter Seals. An additional 3,000 children are served by other local organizations, leaving approximately two-thirds of the primary target population underserved. The Discovery Village will allow Easter Seals to serve more children in the community.

Designed in collaboration with the Outdoor Classroom Project consultant funded by the Orfalea Foundation, the multi-sensory playscape will feature carefully selected materials which will foster exploration, three learning huts, a greenhouse, Koi pond, gazebo and benches will lend an ideal atmosphere for relaxing, reflection and quiet time.

Features will include:

• Textured landscaping, including bumpy tree bark, smooth stone and cool trickling water
• Walkways traversing a variety of surfaces, such as flagstone brick, woodchips and stepping stones
• Learning huts which will serve as an art studio, science lab and language center
• A greenhouse for planting and nurturing plants