Amana Academy West Atlanta Cuts Ribbon on New Nature-Scape Playground
Amana Academy West Atlanta hosted the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new playground on Friday, August 9, at the school’s campus on Lake Park Drive in Smyrna. The new Nature-Scape playground is more than just a space for play—it’s a vibrant extension of the school’s founding vision and its deep commitment to learning through nature and exploration.
Nestled among mature trees on the school grounds, the playground gives the impression of a school in the woods, evoking a sense of peace, curiosity, and connection to the natural world. The design includes climbing structures, nature-inspired play elements, and shaded areas that encourage imaginative and active outdoor play.
The natural setting and design elements are a direct echo of Amana West Atlanta’s original roots at the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s Camp Timber Ridge, where the school was first launched in 2021. That campus, set in a wooded environment, helped shape Amana’s approach to education—one that values outdoor learning, environmental stewardship, and child-centered discovery. The new playground honors that legacy while providing a permanent and thoughtfully designed space for students to grow, explore, and thrive.
Amana Academy West Atlanta is part of the EL Education network, a national model for deeper learning that grew out of a collaboration between Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and Outward Bound USA. EL Education emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and high-quality work through real-world, expeditionary learning. Inspired by Outward Bound’s belief in challenge, teamwork, and connection to the natural world, Amana integrates these principles into every aspect of its curriculum—making the addition of a Nature-Scape playground a natural fit for the school’s mission.
“Being able to offer our students a playground that blends so seamlessly with the environment and reflects our values is a major milestone,” said Principal Helené Brown.. “This natural playground is not just about play—it’s about reinforcing our identity as a school that believes in whole-child development, outdoor learning, and fostering a love for nature.”
The ribbon cutting included remarks from school leaders, students, and community partners, as well as opportunities for families to explore the new space. The event kicked off a new school year filled with excitement and continued growth at Amana West Atlanta.
