Nature Play Space

What is a Nature Play Space?

The Nature Play Space located at the Saline County Library will be an outdoor learning area designed for children to have hands-on play with natural elements.

Studies have shown that outdoor play has many benefits for children who regularly play in natural settings including:

– Ability to cope with stress

– Increased activity levels

– Improvement in fine and gross motor skills

– Increased self-discipline, observation, and reasoning skills

– Improved concentration

– Strengthened immune system

– Decreased symptoms of ADD/ADHD and behavioral disorders

Where will it be located?

The Nature Play Space will be housed at the Saline County Library Benton branch, located at 1800 Smithers Drive.

When will it open?

Groundbreaking is scheduled for September 2021, and the grand opening is scheduled for May 2022.

How is it being funded?

This project will be made possible with help from you, the Friends of the Library, and with American Rescue Plan Act funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States program and administered by the Arkansas State Library.

How can I get involved?

Individuals and organizations alike are welcome to purchase a brick for $150 or a play feature for $2,000 to advertise their organization, honor a loved one, or show community support. Brick pavers can feature up to three lines of text and up to 13 characters per line. Play feature sponsors will get a custom plaque that will be displayed on their purchase(s). We reserve the right to approve all engraving.

To purchase, fill out the form on our website or send inscription and check to:

Friends of the
Saline County Library
1800 Smithers Drive
Benton, AR 72015