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/85881
a temporary tent city for 1,600 refugees who lost their homes. Dolores Park is dedicated to Miguel Hidalgo, the father of Mexican independence; the park's name was borrowed from his hometown of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico. Design Koch Landscape Architecture (KLA) was commissioned by the Friends of Dolores Park Playground to design a "world class urban playground" as a tribute to the San Francisco philanthropist Mrs. Helen Diller. The Mercer Foundation, which contributed $1.6 million to the project to honor Diller, mandated the use of as many natural materials as possible, such as wood, stone and plant material; also, to avoid the use of plastics, inordinately startling colors and explicitly-themed play equipment that limits free association and imaginative play. The rest of the project was funded through park bonds, city budget money and private donations. The design team conducted several community workshops that elicited creative input from the neighborhood children and parents, and promoted interest and personal investment in the park among locals. After reviewing many options, KLA developed an imaginative, child-centric play environment that met Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) playground safety guidelines. The design integrates the steep terrain and as many plantings as possible, with many customized play elements to meet the community's expectations of uniqueness. Top Drill marks and chiseled handholds offer varying levels of difficulty to climbers of all abilities on this custom granite climbing structure, installed between freestanding net climbers and the "Super Chute." The roughhewn Sierra White blocks were furnished and assembled by Coldsprings Granite. Bottom A boulder retaining wall backed by Phormium 'Yellow Wave' plantings provides a barrier and backdrop to the toddler area. Site boulders were strategically placed throughout the playground to provide additional climbing/ seating features and encourage nature-based play. The customized "small play boat" in the toddler area (one of two wheelchair-accessible play boats on site) features a precast concrete shell, wood decking and stainless steel rails. PHOTO CREDITS: KLA October 2012 43