Project Description
Bloomingdale Playground is a New York City Parks’ property located on Amsterdam Avenue between 104th and 105th Streets, adjacent to PS 145, occupying 0.7 acres. The project site is in a densely residential area and critically important in providing structured greenspace to the surrounding community. The landscape architects were the prime consultants on the project and were involved throughout the entire design process. The firm’s involvement also included a rigorous engagement process with the school and local community and its inclusive play task force and a universal design consultant advising how this playspace could be truly one for all participants.
The completed project has been hailed as the “gold standard” for accessibility and inclusiveness in the City. The new design transforms the outdated schoolyard into a vibrant, inclusive park that welcomes children and adults of all ages and abilities. The universally accessible playground was inspired by the spectrum of human ability and the idea that mobility and perception of all kinds are extendable by use of visual, auditory and mechanical devices.
A circular entry space with interactive sundial and compass provides orientation before entering the park proper. Beyond that are a fitness area and spray shower/performance space, the shower’s wall accented with art tiles created by the community’s children. The playground is a multi-level experience with ground level and vertical play elements. This multi-level, linked geometry addressed one of the site’s challenges, existing elevated spaces inaccessible to many park users. The verticality of the equipment also maximized activity opportunities given the site’s small size. Elevated tunnels provide linkages from smaller to larger play areas but have also been situated to act as gateways below to the schoolyard beyond. This challenge of creating a schoolyard that could be separated from the playground during school hours but open to it during non-school hours was solved using transparent fencing and gates and minimizing vegetation at their adjacency, visually linking the two spaces.
The playground accommodates older and younger participants with age-specific play equipment and accessible swings with seating and picnic tables having integrated companion seating. Interaction between levels is encouraged by climbers, slides and talk tubes that enable conversation throughout the play structure. Children of all abilities are able to use all levels of the playground. Ground level nooks foster quiet play as well. Multi-use courts, a synthetic turf field and a running track are located in the adjacent schoolyard.
