AIM Recycling Playspace
Now being built in Hamilton, opening Summer 2026
Make it 20.
“What would you think if one day, before coming into the theatre, you could spend 15 minutes outside playing? Just running around with your leaders and friends before the program started?”
He stopped. Put his hand on his chin like he was seriously considering a business proposal.
Then he looked at me and said, “I like it… but make it 20 minutes.”
Ready to make it 20 minutes?
Help bring the next phase of this vision to life.
Kids Need Space to Move
The AIM Recycling Playspace was created from a simple idea, children need space to move, play, and be ready to engage.
It is a long-term investment in healthy child development. Today, that idea is becoming reality through a natural playspace.
While the core of the playspace has been made possible through lead investment, community support is needed to complete the project.
Help us complete the AIM Recycling Playspace. Your gift today will help finish construction and create a place where children can play, explore, and thrive for years to come.
Why Natural Play?
Children are not designed for constant structure, they are designed to move, explore, and imagine.
Unstructured outdoor play supports emotional regulation, focus, and overall development. It allows children to reset, build confidence, and engage more fully in learning and relationships.
That’s why this space isn’t built with plastic and presets; it’s built with nature.
A natural playspace invites creativity instead of directing it.
It encourages risk, resilience, and discovery.
It gives children the freedom to be children.
“Not just a place to play — a space to reset, connect, and be ready.”
Listening to Children
This project began with a child’s voice. It reflects a commitment to listening and responding to the real needs of children.
The Importance of Unstructured Play
Children need space to move, explore, and play freely. Unstructured outdoor play supports emotional regulation, focus, and healthy development.
Supporting Whole-Child Development
The playspace is not separate from programming, it enhances it. It helps children arrive ready to engage, connect, and learn.
Long-Term Community Investment
The AIM Recycling Playspace is a permanent investment in children and families in Hamilton, designed to serve the community for years to come.
The Power of Partnership
This project demonstrates what is possible when community partners come together with a shared commitment to children.
About the Design Approach
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds
Bienenstock is responsible for the design and construction of the playspace, bringing expertise in natural play environments and child development.
Their work is grounded in the understanding that children develop best through unstructured, outdoor play. Rather than relying on traditional playground equipment, their designs use natural elements — wood, earth, water, and landscape — to create spaces that invite exploration and imagination.
These environments are intentionally designed to support:
- Physical movement and coordination
- Emotional regulation and resilience
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Connection to the natural world
The result is not just a place to play, but a space that supports how children grow — socially, emotionally, and physically.
Make it 20.
The moment that inspired everything.
About seven years ago, during a Saturday program at CityKidz, a nine-year-old was struggling to stay in his seat.
Built Together
This playspace exists because of partners who chose to invest in children and community.
Lead Funding Partner
The AIM Recycling Playspace was made possible through a $1 million investment from American Iron & Metal (AIM)’s Ontario recycling headquarters.
What began as an early conversation more than five years ago became the catalyst for the entire project. From the beginning, AIM’s commitment helped move the idea from concept to reality.
As a long-time supporter of CityKidz, AIM’s investment reflects a shared belief in creating spaces where children can move, play, and grow.
Community & Enabling Partner
As the landowner and supporter of CityKidz, they played a key role in advancing the project. Their support through environmental, planning, and development processes, helped bring the vision to life.
Project Delivery Partners
Re-Nature™ Foundation has partnered with CityKidz to fund and manage the project delivery.
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds led the design, construction, and delivery of the natural playspace. Their expertise in unstructured play helped bring the vision to life, creating a space that encourages exploration, movement, and connection with nature.
Read More
"I like it... but make it 20 minutes".
A simple request became a space for children to move, reset, and grow.
Now it’s your turn to be part of what comes next.
Building It Together
Follow the progress as the AlM Recycling Playspace comes to life.
CityKidz is situated on the traditional territory shared by the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe nations. We are on land under the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between these nations to protect and share this land and resources peacefully. We work to build relationships and seek justice with the people and communities we serve as we respond to the ongoing impacts of colonization.
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