A Re-design and Replacement of the Playgrounds
The iconic playgrounds at Willow Park that have been a beloved feature for decades have now been entirely rebuilt with new accessible and inclusive play structures that the community has helped choose.
One thing that did not change… the engraved bricks honoring the donors who built the original park will be preserved.
New playgrounds opened April 26, 2023
About the New Playgrounds
The chosen design and color scheme are the result of a public outreach process. Over 1,500 people participated in the selection and many people also submitted comments, suggestions, and ideas during the public comment period. There was a public presentation of the various playground design options that was held at the MAUHS auditorium on April 13, 2022, which was recorded and viewed over 800 times.
The chosen design was fine tuned in response to the comments and suggestions received. The final design incorporates several features that include more musical/auditory components; harness swing systems; different slide options in the ages 5 to 12 large play structure; additional age-appropriate spring rockers in the upper playground; benches for seating; and changing a Volta spinner to an accessible spinner.
View the Public Presentation Video
View the Play By Design Educational Notes PDF (8 mb)
New Playground Design
The playground design “Canopy Discovery” was the overwhelming favorite, with 70% of the total responses. Ramps to fun had 17% and Heights of Adventure had 13% respectively.
About the Design
Design Two – Canopy Discovery (#234-3)
NOTE: The chosen design has been fine tuned in response to comments and suggestions the Town has received. The final design development is incorporating several features and/or elements that include more musical/auditory components, harness swing systems, different slide options in the 5-12 large play structure, additional age appropriate spring rockers in the upper playground, benches for seating, and changing the volta spinner to a non-transfer required accessible spinner.
This playground option tips its hat to the old playground structure with wooden style barriers and features. Both playgrounds include an integrated shade system to help with the heat during the summer months. The pour-in-place rubber surfacing meanders throughout the play space, going under slide exits, swings, and leading people to the accessible play components and transfer stations. The 5-12 area has an active and challenging obstacle course with numerous climbing features. The 2-5 area has developmental focused climbers to improve balance and walking abilities. Each play area also offers age-appropriate swing seats, both include inclusive swing seats and a konnection swing seat (multi-user swing seat). The dish swing provides an excellent opportunity for inclusive play, allowing all children to experience the swinging motion while sharing the dish seat with their friends. The inclusive spinner is centered in the middle of the play space, this merry-go-round allows a wheelchair user to transfer out of their chair and onto the spinner which provides ample back support. Lastly, the shared space has a rocker and a cup style spinner which providing the vestibular motion that all kids love to enjoy. The upper playground is a quaint play space, with swings for both age groups. The playground features 2 slides, 2 climbers, and shade.
ADA/Inclusive Swings:
Rubber Pathways
Freedom Swing Seat (2) (inclusive swing seat with high back support)
Volito Swing Seat (dish swing seat accessible by transfer)
Konnect Swing Seat (multi-generational swing seat – 2 seater)
Freestanding:
Inclusive Spinner (non-transfer)
Sensory Play 5-12 Structure:
CLUBHOUSE FULL BOARD PANEL
CAR ACCESSIBLE REACH PANEL
DRUM ACCESSIBLE REACH PANEL
PISTON PANEL
Sensory Play 2-5 Structures:
(2) MAZE ACCESSIBLE REACH PANEL
BUG PANEL, ACCESSIBLE REACH
3-IN-A-ROW PANEL, 2-5 ABOVE PLATFORM
CHIMES PANEL, 2-5 ABOVE PLATFORM
ABC PANEL 2-SIDED 2-5, ABOVE PLATFORM
POST MOUNTED BELL
Orchid Color Scheme
For color schemes, the tally was much closer. “Orchid” was the leader with 34.2%, followed by “Forest” with 27.3%, “Bayside” with 22.3%, and “Enchanted” with 16.2%.
Timeline for Completion
The planned completion of the playgrounds was originally late summer of 2022. It was completed in April of 2023.
Materials