Rich in culture and adjacent to a historical community center, the Montclair playground has been ready for a revamp for quite some time. In this re-design, we worked with existing users to hear what they like and don’t like about the playground. Two public meetings and a Google survey later, the design team and I approached this playground with a clear message in mind: protect the existing tree located at the center of the play space. In working with the city’s forestry team, we ultimately learned the tree needed to be removed for safety reasons, but we knew the treehouse feel of the playground, including being surrounded by several other existing trees, had to stay. Additionally, we noted the existing play structure feels outdated, and doesn’t appeal to kids after they hit middle school.
The new layout links play elements from multiple vendors to maximize the small space, while retaining a treehouse-like feel among the existing trees. The updated design offers a nature-connected play experience that appeals to users of all ages. The existing tree trunk will transform into a chainsaw art piece by a well-known local artist. Once constructed, users of Montclair playground will be able to connect with nature and enjoy the park at all stages of life.