Landscape Architect & Specifier News

AUG 2013

LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.

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playground (Continued from page 26) Above The main structure is bedecked with climbing elements, including chimney, cliff, conical and corkscrew climbers; a pinnacle rock boulder, orbiter spinner, and loop pole also provide access to the ramps and slides. There are two transfer stations into the structure, and the net climber is easily reached from the ground, ensuring accessibility for children with special needs. Middle A single unit of arch swings includes two bays of 6-12-year-old swings, two bays of preschool swings with one accessible bucket seat, and one tire swing at the center, which saves space by accommodating more than one child at a time. The Park District customized the swing bay into one long structure to conserve space. Bottom Sandboxes present an ongoing challenge for the Park District, as they are always a popular play feature but can be messy and difficult to maintain. In Wilder Park's playground, the sandbox is surrounded by an 18-inch tall sitting wall (Rosetta Stone), which contains the sand and provides seating. 28 Landscape Architect and Specifier News slide, spiral slide, a belt bridge and an arch bridge. The structure is ground accessible, integrated into the sandbox, and includes a bead and block panel and a rock and ring panel. Freestanding ground components include a bee spring rider and an accessible ladybug spring rider (Little Tikes). The swings presented another challenge for the Park District. Residents typically want more swings, which take up a lot of space and are more expensive because of the amount of surfacing required. The arch swings are connected together into one large unit, which includes two bays of 6-12-year-old swings, two bays of preschool swings (with one accessible bucket seat), and one tire swing at the center, which is a huge space saver, as it can accommodate more than one child at a time. By customizing the swings to be connected together, the park district decreased the amount of space the swings require. The main structure is separated from the preschool area by a sitting plaza with two game tables, two picnic tables, custom circle bench, and two shade trees with tree grates. There are also seven recycled plastic benches located throughout the playground to assure ample seating. A new drinking fountain adjacent to the playground includes an upright fountain, accessible drinking fountain, and pet bowl for dog walkers. The playground is a kid magnet, and no matter the weather, visitors can always be found at the park, enjoying the space.

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