Several local news outlets highlighted a new study at UT’s Early Learning Center that may change the way playgrounds are designed. Sean Durham, director of the center, decided to give the playground a new look to help children connect with the environment. Dawn Coe, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, says the natural setting not only seems to help kids become more interested in nature, it may make them more active. She’s conducting a study on the playground to find out. The redesigned playground includes climbing tires, fallen trees, stumps, a nature trail, waterfall and tree house.