Westmoreland Nature Play Area Opens
There is something very satisfying about seeing a play area you have worked on finally open, letting the young masses flood in. At Westmoreland Park in Portland Oregon that happened last week. This pilot nature play project for the City of Portland has been in design for a few years.
The essence of the design replicates the nearby Crystal Springs Creek from its headwaters on Mt. Hood to the spring fed creek the flows through the park. The creek itself is Salmon spawning habitat and inaccessible for play. But the sand and water play feature gives kids a similar experience.
Two hand pumps supply ‘spring fed’ water to the creek mound. Water follows one of 4 channels down into the sand play area. This is a mecca for cooperative play as dams are built and ‘water rights’ negotiated.
The creek play area is roughly 50 to 60 feet long and 30 kids played comfortably in the area on the day I was there. Nearby sand tables, willow arches, water weirs and lots of sand tools help facilitate creative play for all.
The Mountain Mound and Forest Mound call to the more adventurous kids. Climbers and risk takers are all over these pieces. Large logs really add to the natural feeling of the space, but are organized in a more traditional play experience.
The young and young at heart are invited to climb a stump ‘tree’, jump over and around a ‘log jam’ and ascend a challenging ‘mountain’ with climbing ropes.
Tucked back by some amazing existing trees are opportunities for loose parts play and fort building. I have been impressed by the caliber of the forts built so far. I wonder if there are not a few adults joining in the building fun.
This project was designed by GreenWorks PC. I had the pleasure of leading the design team through construction documents when I worked at this prestigious firm. Every Project is very much a team effort and the GreenWorks staff along with sub consultants really made this project a success. The design Team also included:
Main Line Design
Wow! These images are great. It really has been transformed into a wonderful space for play. Nice work Michelle!