Discovery Woods - Acton, MA

Acton, MA  JM Coull (JMC) completed the outdoor “Discovery Woods” at The Discovery Museums. The new space is a fully accessible nature playscape that includes features such as a family slide, climbing net, rain garden, nest swing, bird houses, and beaver lodges. The focal piece of Discovery Woods is a 600 s/f treehouse, built by The Treehouse Guys of Vermont. Discovery Woods is the second phase in a multi-phase effort to expand the museum’s indoor and outdoor footprint, which provides increased exhibit space and enhanced experiences for guests. JMC teamed with Lemon|Brooke Landscape Architects, Ream Design, Meisner Brem Corp., and CARLCO Construction on this phase.

Discovery Woods is instrumental to the Museum’s mission of increasing outdoor play and interaction with nature by children. The inclusive space is ADA-compliant so visitors of all abilities can participate in activities, even those within the treehouse. JM Coull attended the grand opening celebration on July 16, along with members of the design and construction team; Museum board, campaign, and building committee members; state senator Jamie Eldridge; state representative Cory Atkins; as well as many supporters within the community.

The project’s next phase, designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, Inc., encompasses a 9,000 s/f expansion to the existing science museum, combining the exhibit space of the two existing museums into one building. Increased gallery space will make way for new exhibits, such as the “Brain Building Zone” and “DaVinci’s Workshop.” New program spaces, entrances, and visitor amenities will also be created. A fourth phase, featuring an outdoor amphitheater, is also anticipated pending available funding.

“Discovery Woods is unlike anything else we’ve ever done,” comments JMC COO Josh Brandt. “To think back about what this space was a year ago and to see it now, see what it’s become, is really mind blowing. The transformation is pretty amazing. The Discovery Museums had a clear vision for this space well before we started, and we’re honored to help them achieve that vision.”