Esquimalt Nation's New Childcare Facility

Esquimalt Nation set out to build a new multi-age childcare facility on Vancouver Island, BC — and wanted an outdoor space that did more than provide a place to play. Urban Systems led the conceptual and detailed design of the outdoor play environment, integrating native planting, natural play opportunities, and multi-sensory elements to support childhood development and connection to the local environment. Designing one space that could serve children of varying ages safely and inclusively, while reflecting the site's natural character, meant balancing several priorities at once. The result is an outdoor environment where children across age groups play, explore, and connect with the land — built to reflect Esquimalt Nation's natural surroundings and support long-term sustainability.