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/457513
(Continued on page 24) p l a y g ro u n d 22 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Above Pearson Metropark received a revamped playscape when the Toledo park system decided to roll out a new signature playground series. The new design was lead by landscape architect, Chad Brintall, RLA from SmithGroupJJR, and was inspired by the park's natural surroundings, including the Great Black Swamp, a wetland in northwest Ohio and the Bowling Green Fault, the only Great Lakes fault line, which can be seen from the park. Pearson Metropark, located in Oregon, Ohio received a revamped playscape as part of a new signature playground series established by the Toledo park system. The goal of the project was to improve safety and access for children at the playground and to create an interactive and interpretable environment that would increase the understanding of the site's history and biodiversity. In 2010 SmithGroupJJR began working with Metroparks in the Toledo area as part of an initiative to help them grow and strengthen the park system's legacy. After the firm worked on landscape enhancements and a shoreline stabilization project at Pearson Metropark, they were hired in the summer of 2012 to design a new playscape as well. It was at that time that Metropark was instituting a new signature playground series throughout its park system. Design Concept Lead landscape architect, Chad Brintall, RLA utilized a multi-phased planning approach and designed a playground that incorporated both functional equipment and custom-made sculptures. The inspiration of the design is based on the area's natural surroundings, such as the geology—the park is the only place in Northwest Ohio where the exposed Bowling Green Fault, the only Great Lakes fault line, can be seen. Another inspiration for the design is the Great Black Swamp, a wetland in northwest Ohio. Pearson's playscape engages children with harrowing stories of settlement told through interpretive signage and custom marsh-themed flora and fauna play elements. Play Equipment The new 10,000 square foot playscape is a combination of stock playground equipment and custom play structures, totaling 44 pieces in all. Custom elements were created by Graphite Design + Build and include a frog, spider, tree, woodpecker, lily pads, spinning lily flowers and log climber. Other play structures – multiple slides, swings and various play panels were provided by Landscape Structures. One of the challenges of the project was creating custom play equipment that complemented the catalog pieces. To create a seamless look the team met regularly during the design and construction phases. By replacing aging equipment with a thoughtfully designed play By Michelle Medaris, LASN Pearson Metropark, Oregon, Ohio