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
Right The custom play sculptures mimic a forest landscape, including the center piece, a large tree with four slides and custom rock and vine climbers. Above The tunnels disappear into the native forest of river bottom cottonwoods. Plantings of bur oaks and cedar elms supplemented the woodland tree species. The park staff will add coralberry, inland sea oats and other native trees in the fall. Beyond the playground are 14 miles of trails winding through largely undisturbed forests, fields and wetlands along the banks of the Trinity River in northern Arlington, Texas. Bottom, Right This shaded area provides welcome relief from the hot Texas sun, and a view of a local denizen, the bobcat. River Legacy Parks has a Bobcat blog to record sightings of the wild felines. design. We talked about several options, but the one clear element we agreed on was a suspended vinyl-coated cable tunnel system winding though the treetops. Since the trees were not a part of the organized play space, just an untouched grove of river bottom cottonwoods, the major challenge was to protect kids on such a playground. With no fall surface under the tunnels, it was clear the tunnels had to be totally enclosed. Once children were inside the tunnels, it had to be impossible for them to fall out. Perched almost 12 feet above the protected playground below, children in this upper tree canopy environment would be completely out of reach. The geometric spacing of the cables allows parents to see into the tunnels. And while the tunnels are clearly marked "Secret, No Grownups," adults can access the tunnels if 76 Landscape Architect and Specifier News needed. Although the playground is complete, we intend to strengthen and restore the riparian forest vegetation. Additional bur oaks and cedar elms have been planted, and park staff will add coralberry, inland sea oats and other natives in the fall. The design also allows staff to expand the tunnels. A perfect extension and connection to the tunnels are the reinforced concrete tree trunks. Custom built with extraordinary detail by GameTime, they include seven slides, climbers, secret spaces, spyglasses and talk tubes, an endless variety of opportunities for children to talk, play and interact. There are also hidden animals, all native to the area—lizards, raccoons and bobcats. Another learning opportunity is a piece that plays recorded animal sounds of the Trinity ecosystem. More of a traditional play space, this area does