The Gateway Childcare Center is a YMCA-operated facility serving a South San Francisco office complex.  Outdoor play and learning are considered an extension of the indoor activities.  The exterior play space moves seamlessly from the inside of the building to sunny and protected space.  The large open space allows for active recreation of various age groups. An earthwork planted with native grasses wiggles across the site like a giant fuzzy caterpillar. The gesture of the earthwork is contrasted by an allee of poplars that delineates pedestrian traffic while screening parking areas and blocks wind.