Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/14/2015

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ELMCREST PARK NARRATIVE This play area design reflects the collaborative efforts of Landscape Architecture Incorporated and St. Croix Recreation Fun Playgrounds, Inc. Our overall design is intended to meet and excee the expectations presented in the Elmcrest Park RFP and ultimately provide a challenging playful experience for 2-12 year olds in a subtly farm themed setting. We have created a shaded refuge from the open expanses of the athletic fields and retreat from the confines of the adjacent pavilion building. This design concept utilizes existing boundaries as defined by the surrounding asphalt path; through the creative use of corral fencing, natural stone seating walls and sizeable trees we direct pedestrian traffic and frame the play area while providing generous access points for users. The play area is an inviting destination from all directions; the parking lot, trail extensions, pavilion structure and the athletic fields. Nestled in the Northwest corner of the space under the shade of three Princeton Elms sit two Laying Chicken Steppers, a Barnyard Shed and a Honeybee Flower. These elements are colorful and invite the curiosity of the 2-5 year old, providing both physical challenge of climbing, stepping and jumping and spurring creative and imaginative play. The Hone -Swing with (1) Tot seat and (1) ADA Chair. A combination of large native limestone blocks and Corral Fencing segregates the swing area for safety and allows for integrated seating for observation and resting. A cluster of Quaking Aspen provides respite from the elements. The primary play structure is designed to subtly mimic the building architecture with linear sections and an impressive elevated tiered hip roof playing off the distant cupola of the main building. There are several access points to the structure through generous openings in the perimeter fence and stone wall which allow for passive flow from the trail and the pavilion as well as a larger opening intended to draw in those running in from the athletic fields. From the field approach/entrance kids are presented with a series of very dynamic and motion related activities. This is the INTENSITY part of the play structure with all ground level access events; the Twisting Traverse, Athletic Challenge Ladder, Dynamic Discs and the Limber Ladder all foster development of core, coordination, strength and balance. These events sit under the massive tiered roof which casts useful shade for midday play. Vertical access and egress to and from the upper levels is accomplished by several vertical climbs. The Wiggle Ladder is reminiscent of a grain silo and provides a challenging, moving climb or des the end of the structure closest to the parking lot access/trail access entrance. Surrounding this area of gradual climb are several pods and vertical up/down climbers as well as a lower Viper chute slide which allows the youngest of this age used by a parent to gently turn even a young infant capable of holding on to the bent center pole; or this piece can be wildly used by one, two or more older children who must coordinate their movements to maintain the spinning experience. Similar, but with a little different twist is the Comet II which is an open framed orb, which sits on a tilted axis. Once again, this event can be utilized by those from 2-adults. We include adults because this is one event that even the youngest child can successfully spin a parent as easily as the parent the child.