Impact Alamance is proud to announce the approval of $100,000 in funding to the Alamance Partnership for Children (APC) to support the development of Outdoor Learning Environments (OLEs) across Alamance County.
This investment will transform outdoor play spaces at eligible 4- and 5-star daycare programs across the county, resulting in the creation of six OLEs over the course of 3 years. These enhancements will ensure children ages 0–5 have regular access to safe and engaging outdoor enrichment during critical early learning years.
APC will issue a competitive Request for Applications, partnering with 6 licensed child care centers and family care homes to develop the OLEs. Participating sites will dedicate outdoor space to the project, complete Natural Learning Initiative training, attend APC-hosted training sessions, and participate in regular site visits. Throughout the process, APC will provide comprehensive support, including guidance on design and materials, training, technical assistance, and quarterly evaluations to ensure successful implementation and long-term sustainability.
This investment reflects Impact Alamance’s commitment to advancing the health and well-being of residents through built environment initiatives that expand access to active living opportunities. It also underscores a deep commitment to supporting the county’s youngest residents and the caregivers who serve them by expanding access to spaces designed to foster physical activity, curiosity, and social connection.
Outdoor Learning Environments are intentionally designed outdoor spaces that support key areas of childhood development through hands-on exploration and healthy play. Featuring natural elements such as water tables, mud kitchens, berry gardens, and climbing structures, these environments offer children opportunities to take appropriate risks, build confidence, and engage their senses. Research shows that access to nature-based play can reduce stress, encourage imaginative play, strengthen gross motor skills, and enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
In addition to benefiting children, these spaces can also serve as a valuable resource for early childhood educators, offering new tools and approaches to support experiential learning and whole-child development. By integrating outdoor learning into daily routines, participating facilities will be better equipped to foster meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Together, these new OLEs will support Alamance County’s youngest residents during the most formative stages of development, fostering growth and laying the foundation for long-term positive outcomes in health, education, and overall well-being. Impact Alamance is proud to partner with the Alamance Partnership for Children to expand access to high-quality outdoor learning spaces and strengthen early childhood systems across the community.
