1. Rank the designs based off your favorite (1) to least favorite (3). Images are included as well as a description provided by Playground Designer.
Option #1 Design/Layout Description:
The 5-12 playground uses a continuous play design to allow the users to move from the climbing and balance area to the main structure of vice versa without having to touch the ground. Also, within the larger container you will find swings, a spinner, musical equipment, and learning wall.
The 2-5 area sits just across the path and is packed with age-appropriate climbers, slides, imaginative play, and upper body components that will meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of the user.
Option #2 Design/Layout Description:
The playground is organized into clearly defined but visually connected play zones. The ages 2–5 area includes a compact structure with a slide, climbers, interactive panels, accessible transfer features, and nature-themed components scaled for younger children. The ages 5–12 area provides a larger linked structure with multiple decks, slides, overhead and net climbers, bridges, rock and vine climbing elements, activity panels, and accessible transfer routes. Freestanding features including a spinning climber, duo spinner, tent climber, and swings are distributed throughout the site to support different types of movement and reduce congestion. Safety zones, wear mats, engineered wood fiber, and poured-in-place accessible surfacing are integrated into the layout, while existing trees provide natural character and help connect the playground to its park setting.
Option #3 Design/Layout Description:
Our design for Normandale Park was impacted largely by preserving the natural trees within the space. The trees are beautiful and we kept footings further from them in hopes that they can continue to grow and provide beautiful shade. The highest decks are located in the largest break of the trees within the play container to preserve as much of them as we can and give a beautiful ‘in the canopy of the trees’ feel when standing at those points.
We focused on creating a creative layout that feels like two play structures married by a climbing tunnel. Easy access paths back onto the structure from each slide and full body engagement components that promote growth in balance as well as upper and lower body strength. A lot of the playground is laid out in almost two circles which allows users to loop
and weave through the equipment wherever they start. The container to the South provides a play pocket for younger children that feels like their own private clubhouse with a view of the equipment they will graduate to when ready.
*Please disregard color as a factor, it will be determined based off survey feedback in next question.
