Town Meeting voters will consider whether to use $7,500 in Community Preservation funds to pay for the design of a Nature Explore outdoor classroom and play area, which would be located adjacent to the Wareham Free Library.

Nature Explore is a collaborative effort of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, which design nature-based outdoor spaces for use by children and communities at large.

"It'll be a playground that's open to all," says Bethany Gay, a Wareham Free Library trustee who spearheaded the effort to get a Nature Explore space in Wareham.

Gay, who works as a facilitator for Wareham Public Schools and plans activities through the district's Office of Beyond School Time, was inspired by a visit to the Heritage Museums & Gardens' Nature Explore space in Sandwich, called Hidden Hollow.

"I was blown away," she said.

The outdoor spaces have distinct components: A place for music and movement, a water area, a storage area, a sand area, an open area, quiet space, a climbing/crawling area, a garden and pathway, and a "messy materials" area.

Children and adults alike can explore the outdoors or just spend some quiet time reading a book, Gay noted.

Gay says the benefits to children who use the space are great: It helps creativity, problem-solving skills, focus, and self-discipline.

Community Preservation funding is generated by a 3% property tax surcharge. The funds can only be used for recreation, affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space projects.

A plus, Gay says, is by definition, the space is low-maintenence and doesn't require much landscaping. The build can also be low-cost.

Gay says once the outdoor space is designed, she and supporters can pursue grants to pay for the build.  The $7,500 for the design will also address parking at the library and the addition of security cameras.

"Without the design, we can't move forward to get the grants," Gay explained. "I just think it's an opportunity. If we don't take it, we're going to lose out on funds" that are becoming readily available for such projects, she said.

If the design is funded, Gay says she'll then coordinate meetings with members from the school district, the Boys & Girls Club, the Gleason Family YMCA, the Wareham Land Trust, the Wareham Library Foundation, and local preschools, among others.

The cost of the build of the project depends on how big its stakeholders would like it to be. The group will also seek private funding to maintain the area.

Though the space would be located adjacent to the library, Gay stressed that the project will not have an impact on the library's operating budget or staffing.

For more information or to see similar outdoor spaces, visit www.natureexplore.org.

Town Meeting convenes on Monday, October 28, at 7 p.m. in the Wareham High School auditorium.