A New Outdoor Space for Connection, Calm and Growth
There is something pretty special about seeing an idea become a real place.
Earlier this spring, we were thrilled to celebrate the creation of a new inclusive, nature-based outdoor therapeutic space at Woodview’s Park Road North location in Brantford — a space designed for children, youth, families, and staff.
This project was made possible thanks to a $189,000 Capital grant from the Government of Ontario, delivered through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
On May 29, Woodview marked this milestone with a recognition event at our Park Road North location. We were pleased to welcome Lisa Parsons, representative for MPP Will Bouma, George Santos from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, Woodview leadership, staff, Board representatives, and community guests to recognize the impact this investment will have for our Brantford programs.
Above: What our underused backyard area looked like before the project.
Designed for youth wellness
The new 3,400-square-foot space was designed to support youth mental health and autism services in a different kind of setting — one where children and youth can move, explore, regulate, connect, and build skills in a natural environment.
It includes learning pods, group circles, shaded seating, sensory-focused instruments, creative installations, and nature-based features that support emotional regulation, social connection, communication, creative expression, and leadership skill-building.
What makes the space especially valuable is the element of choice. Youth can move through it in different ways depending on what they need that day — movement, quiet, sensory input, creativity, or connection. That flexibility gives staff another way to support regulation, communication, problem-solving, and confidence in real time.
Early impact for children, youth and staff
And already, we are beginning to see what this space can mean.
Staff have shared that clients seem calmer and more engaged when using the outdoor area. One youth said the space feels peaceful and makes it easier to participate in outdoor sessions without needing to leave the site for a neighbourhood walk or public park. Another shared that they could see themselves enjoying all of the features, especially the seating area with the log couches, which felt calming.
Those might sound like small moments, but in our work, they matter. A youth feeling calm enough to participate. A client practicing communication at the chalkboard. A staff member having another tool to support regulation, connection, or transition. These are the kinds of moments that help build confidence over time.
Each year, this improved outdoor space is expected to support children and youth in over 12 Woodview programs and services equalling about 130 hours of program use.
We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario for helping make this meaningful project possible — and for investing in a space where children and youth can connect, explore, and grow in a new way.
We can’t wait to see the moments of connection, confidence, and calm this space will continue to create for the children, youth, families that we serve.
