Photos Courtesy of: Urban Pastures Productions LLC
Project Location: Morris Township, New Jersey
Designer:Kristin Lilley, Drs. Sarah Lytle and Brenna Hassinger-Das
Fabricator:Bluebird Graphic Solutions
Case Study |
The Museum of Makers + Innovators has opened the Thinkscape Park exhibit at Morris Marketplace in Morris Township, New Jersey. Inspired by the Playful Learning Landscapes initiative, this innovative project creates hands-on, educational experiences in a familiar, communal space. Located within a new commercial shopping center, the park features six interactive zones designed to spark curiosity and encourage meaningful learning moments between children and caregivers.
Transforming a traditional outdoor area into what feels like a free, open-air children’s museum, Thinkscape Park brings playful learning into everyday environments. The initiative highlights the importance of making education accessible and engaging by embedding it in places where families already gather.
The project was made possible through the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team. Graphic designer and FIT adjunct professor Kristin Lilley developed the signage and installations, ensuring both visual appeal and functionality. Drs. Sarah Lytle and Brenna Hassinger-Das of the Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network helped align the designs with cutting-edge research in child development. Landscape architect Jaryd Moran of Bowman Consulting shaped the park layout, seamlessly incorporating the six learning zones. Bluebird Graphic Solutions fabricated two of the installations, helping bring the vision to life.
To ensure the installations remain vibrant and durable, the team selected Custom High-Pressure Laminate (CHPL) for the signage. CHPL offers long-term durability with a 10-year warranty and resists fading, scratching, graffiti, moisture, and extreme temperatures—ideal for outdoor educational spaces.
Special thanks go to iZone Imaging for producing the CHPL signage. Project leaders praised Lyndsay Blair and the iZone team for their support throughout the process, calling the experience smooth and collaborative.
Thinkscape Park offers families an exciting way to explore, play, and learn together. As an extension of the Museum of Makers + Innovators, it brings learning to life in a fun, approachable way. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and experience this dynamic outdoor learning environment firsthand.