Concord Park Inclusive Nature Playscape

Learning Landscapes Design was hire for the Concord park project to create an inclusive natural play area for the Oak Grove Community. Parks staff was frustrated with the deliverables of the current project’s LA team. They brought on Learning Landscapes Design as the specialized design team because of knowledge and ability to listen to their needs and create a truly blended inclusive nature space for play. The design is based on two natural mounds. The bouldered precipices are covered in native trees and bring in a sense of the forest that once dominated this neighborhood. These also provide perched hang out spaces for older users. Log climbers add physical challenge, but also provide low nets where users can lounge. A series of turf mounds add exploration space for 2-5 year olds with tunnels, slides, log crossings and hills to climb. All pathways are accessible and provide bridges, viewpoints and access to the tower fort, slides, and sensory play elements. We made sure that the main ADA path system allowed space for users in mobility devices and their family to hang out and relax. So often ADA paths just meet minimums and create crowded pinch points when actually used. We know quiet spaces are important for so many users. Playgrounds can be loud, overwhelming for our senses, provide social anxiety and trigger trauma. We have carefully placed quiet areas throughout the playscape so users can retreat and regroup. These spaces all have some level of outside visibility to increase safety and reduce less desirable uses. The resulting playscape is a lovely combination of inclusion, nature, landform, challenge and sensory engagement.

Project Information

Construction Cost Range – $1-2 Million

Date of Completion – Construction 2024-25

Services Provided – Community Workshop, Concept Plan, Costing, Design Development, Construction Documents, Services During Construction, and Safety and Maintenance Approach Document.