This booklet describes a project involving the planning and construction of an outdoor play area for a child day care center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Participants in the project sought to increase community awareness of the value of outdoor activity and to construct an outdoor learning area which would incorporate provisions for a variety of children's learning needs. The guide includes a copy of the final plan, a list of basic criteria for playground areas, a discussion of topics related to the implementation of the plan, and tips for teaching in the outdoor learning area. Play area and play unit designs, construction guides, and a list of selected resources are appended. (RH)