The recently opened NatureGrounds playscape at Dove Springs Park in Austin, Texas, helps to reconnect children and families with nature.
Designed in conjunction with landscape architects from TBG Partners, along with guidance and support from the Austin Parks Foundation, Natural Learning Institute, National Wildlife Federation and Austin Parks and Recreation, the playscape is accessible for children and adults of all abilities and features a massive, custom treehouse. There are animals sculpted into the structure inside and out, encouraging exploration and discovery as children climb, balance and slide throughout the structure. There is a smaller clubhouse-themed play system for younger children that features recycled plastic lumber, as well as plenty of swings and other motion play activities.
The playground at Dove Springs Park is the result of strategic, collaborative partnerships and forward-thinking community leaders, all focused on making life better for the children and families of this community. “This project began with the brainstorming process of design professionals, but was inspired by models made by children as part of a nature program here at Parks and Rec,” says Marty Stump, division manager at the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. “Many of the kids here today were part of that process.”
Integrated with the manufactured equipment are multiple naturalized areas for play and exploration. The design of these natural-play elements was informed by the research of the Natural Learning Institute and their NatureGrounds program. Developed in conjunction with PlayCore, NatureGrounds is a comprehensive program that provides best-practice guidelines for creating and retrofitting play environments that integrate manufactured play equipment and the living landscape for parks and school grounds.
A dry creek bed runs throughout the play areas, promoting loose parts play during dry periods and water exploration during the rainy times. Native plantings, such as trees, shrubs and grasses, were added to create comfort, visual interest and additional play value. Overseeing the naturalization efforts was Allen Cooper, of the National Wildlife Federation, who stated: “We are committed to reconnecting children in America with nature, and this project is part of our strategy to assist and create natural play areas so children and families can connect with nature close to their homes.”
One of the most exciting features of the park is the 100-foot-long SkyRun zip line that allows children to experience the sensation of flight across the playground in a compliant way. Ladye Anne Wofford of the Austin Parks Foundation was particularly excited about bringing this activity to the park. “I love that the children have an opportunity to take some ‘risk’ — taking a little bit of risk helps children become adults,” she says.
“Dove Springs has always been a popular park,” says Stump, “but particularly on the weekends now, we’ve seen a pretty significant increase. Within the play area design we wanted to integrate seating areas, picnic areas and family gathering spaces that would give people a place to be, not just kids playing in the playground separate from a family experience, but really an integrated environment for families to enjoy. We knew it would be a precedent-setting playground for us and that other neighborhoods would want the same sort of thing and we’re beginning to hear and see that.”