LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/320919
(Continued from page 20) p l a y g ro u n d Features Through the work of the landscape architect and non-profit environmental and community advocacy groups, Gibson Mariposa Park is a tribute to butterflies. The theme is reflected in signature design elements. The park's entry monument resembles a large caterpillar. Five 20'-25' wide canopies in the shape of butterflies and flowers offer shade to the play areas, and a community stage resembles a caterpillar-nibbled leaf. These features complement a new habitat for native drought-tolerant plants, which will attract and provide shelter to a wide variety of native California butterflies. These plants support biodiversity, conserve water and protect water quality. Informational kiosks educate visitors about butterflies and their habitat. The splash pad includes ground geysers, water cannons, rooster tails, water tunnels and low-flow spray fixtures shaped like butterflies, and flowers and leaves above approximately 3,850 square feet of custom-designed flower-shaped concrete surfacing. The park also incorporates green strategies, including more than 20,000 square feet of permeable pavers (Acker-Stone) in the plaza and parking lot. An onsite leach field facilitates water percolation and ground water recharge; park amenities such as picnic tables, benches and trash receptacles make use of recycled materials. Above, Left The entry sign for Gibson Mariposa, which features a caterpillar that transforms into the park's plethora of butterflies, was custom made from reinforced concrete (Quick Crete Products). Above, Right Low-flow spray fixtures shaped like butterflies, flowers and leaves are a highlight of the park's splash pad. Additional features include ground geysers, water cannons, rooster tails and water tunnels. The water drains into a leach field located in the center of the main lawn area, which ties into an onsite drainage system to capture the site's runoff. Middle Features of the play structures (Kompan, Playworld) include swings, a climbing tower, sit-n-spins, various climbers and climbing nets, slides and play panels. Five 20'-25' wide canopies shaped like butterflies and flowers shade the play areas from the California sun. Bottom Approximately 95 percent of the playground equipment is ADA accessible and installed in either engineered wood fiber or poured- in-place rubber surfacing. One of the two net climbers (Berliner) was placed in a sand play area. 22 Landscape Architect and Specifier News 20-23.indd 22 5/21/14 1:11 PM