Natural Playscape at Lincoln Log Cabin

 Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation's project for a Natural Playscape honors the historic legacy of Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the tenets of conservation that the National Park Service and Civilian Conservation Corp set forth during the creation of the site during the Great Depression. Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood was spent on the frontier lands of Kentucky and Indiana, land and terrain similar to Illinois, with woodlands, prairies and streams. There are many stories of his love of water and his adventures on the river. The Playscape will incorporate a water feature where kids can explore , provide prairie plots for understanding Illinois’ historic terrain and promoting pollinator habitat, groves of indigenous trees for identifying, logs and ropes for climbing, all while educating on the childhood of the 16th president and his extended Coles County family who lived here. The Natural Playscape will include lessons in history, science, technology, and stimulate exploration and creativity.

Phase I of the project will be complete in the winter of 2025 and Phase II wil begin in spring 2026 with benches, a miniature flatboat, and play components made of natural sustainable material. To donate to Phase II of this exciting project, please click here and note that you are supporting the Natural Playscape project.  

Engineering: Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental     
Civil Improvements: A&R Mechanical
Water Feature: Illinois Water Features
Electrical: D&M Electrical

This project is made possible with grant funding from the Coles County Board ARPA Ad Hoc Committee; Lumpkin Family Foundation; Charleston Area Charitable Foundation; Earthrise Energy; a generous donation from Charles and Linda Adams; and support from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.