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PLAN
THE VISION
» Provide a natural playscape with an
emphasis on activities for all seasons.
» Incorporate familiar park elements
and natural features for exploration
and immersion in nature play.
THE PARTICIPANTS
» Conduct survey of park users to gather
input about features, events, and
programming for all seasons.
» The Parks Department will lead
the process with assistance from
schools, community organizations, and
neighborhood associations.
THE PROCESS
» The planning and building will be
approximately two years.
» Grants, cash, and material donations
will be the primary sources of funding
for the project.
» The Parks Department will be engaged
to help in coordinating donations.
THE SITE
» Identify two sites that have the
necessary services and parking
needed to support the play area.
» The site must have topography
capability to support sledding.
» An open grass area needs to be
available near the existing parking for
seasonal activities like flying kites,
stacking hay bales, or building snow
forts.
MEDIUM PLAYSCAPE
As the size of the natural playscape increases, so
can the opportunities to explore and discover. This
example engages the existing landscape features
of a hillside and woodland area. A central play
area blends "familiar" park elements like swings
and spray ground with natural material features. At
this scale, the playscape includes its own support
facilities like parking, picnic shelter, and restrooms.
Defined pathways into the woodland encourage
a progression from playing in prepared spaces
to exploring beyond the edges and immersing
yourself in nature. Being in a seasonal climate, a
corn labyrinth experience changes from spring
through fall. The hillside and open lawn become
places for sledding, throwing snowballs, and
building snowmen during the winter. Consider how
your playscape can be used in each season of the
year to extend its invitation to come play.
A PLAY AREA FOR ALL SEASONS
INSPIRATION PLAN DESIGN MANAGE EXAMPLES
