New entry in the brand’s award-winning outdoorED™ Collection of outdoor furniture for young learners is a stylish, functional activity center that fosters outdoor discovery, community and educational play.
Acclaimed Early Learning furniture brand Whitney Brothers® on Aug. 4 announced its new outdoorED™ Learning Pavilion received a Platinum 2026 Spaces4Learning Product Award, one of the most widely recognized awards for innovation in the educational products market.
Now in its 11th year, the Spaces4Learning Product Award honors outstanding products from manufacturers and suppliers that demonstrably enhance learning environments. The 2026 program recognized 16 companies whose products span various K–12 and higher education categories including building interiors; furniture, fixtures and equipment; mechanical, electrical and plumbing; technology; and more. Submissions were judged by volunteer professionals from leading industry vendors, industry associations and architecture firms.
The 2026 program also marks the seventh consecutive year in which a Whitney Brothers® product has earned the award, a distinction few educational furniture brands have achieved.
“Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Spaces4Learning Product Awards!” said Rhea Kelly, editor-in-chief of Spaces4Learning. “These innovative solutions are helping schools and campuses create more effective, engaging and future-ready learning environments for students at every level.”
Introduced in June 2026, the outdoorED™ Learning Pavilion is a freestanding activity center for young learners constructed in recyclable weatherproof HDPE in a fresh, distinct style that extends the classroom outdoors and connects young children with the natural environment every day.
The design of the pavilion was informed by evidence-based research to be developmentally appropriate for young learners. The spacious interior and ADA-compatible openings comfortably accommodate multiple children and foster an inclusive environment that supports outdoor exploration, small group learning, hands-on projects and open-ended play to keep children engaged for hours.
Evidenced-based research supports that young children who spend time outdoors experience reduced mental fatigue and improved concentration when they return indoors.1 Freedom in natural environments fosters open-ended play, which enhances children’s creativity and problem-solving skills by providing unstructured opportunities for exploration and imaginative thinking.2 Hands-on discovery in outdoor experiences has also been shown to support early math, science and inquiry-based skills that cultivate natural curiosity and a lifelong joy in learning.3 (Sources: 1 Taylor & Kuo, 2009; 2 Fjørtoft, 2001; 3 Chawla, 2015)
“We’re honored the outdoorED™ Learning Pavilion received this important distinction,” said Scott Kroeger, Whitney Brothers® president. “The award validates how evidence-based research and design innovation came together to create an outdoor activity hub that engages and inspires our youngest learners. Above all, the award illustrates our commitment to delivering innovative furniture that elevates the learning experience for developing young minds.”
The outdoorED™ Learning Pavilion will be displayed in Whitney Brothers exhibit #1513 at the 2026 EDspaces conference and exhibition in Kansas City, MO, October 28-30.
For more information, visit: www.whitneybros.com.
About Spaces4Learning
Spaces4Learning is a leading publication for education institutions, the architectural community, service providers and others interested in creating high-quality educational facilities. The brand’s magazine, website and digital products bring together a broad array of vital resources and services that keep facilities professionals abreast of current issues, trends and research; provide professional development opportunities; and connect those sharing a common interest.
About the outdoorED™ Collection
The outdoorED™ Collection comprises 12 individual furniture pieces that support the specialized ergonomic and developmental needs of preschool and kindergarten aged children. The wide range of purpose-built furniture enables an outdoor early learning environment supporting STEM / sensory, literacy development, imaginative play, social seating, storage and quiet sanctuary can be furnished entirely within the collection. In 2025, the collection received a Design Journal BEST of 2025 Award for outstanding design. The complete collection is designed, sourced and manufactured in the US and supported by an industry leading 15 Year Limited Warranty.
About Whitney Brothers®
Founded in 1904, Whitney Brothers® invented furniture for Early Learning and Institutional Childcare and pioneered its commercial distribution through educational distributors and dealers in schools, childcare centers, Head Start facilities, churches, libraries, museums and residential homes throughout North America and the world. The brand’s rich heritage spans 122 years of old-world craftsmanship blended with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology to create award winning products of uncompromising quality, design, innovation, safety, durability and value. Each product is UL GREENGUARD® Gold Certified, qualifies for LEED credits, meets or exceeds applicable CPSIA, ASTM and BIFMA requirements, supported by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and proudly made in America.