Background:
Imagination Playground at Betsy Head Park is a pro-bono project conceived and designed by Rockwell Group and developed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. It is our second site-specific Imagination Playground park. The project involves the reconstruction of an approximately 1.5 acre portion of the 10-acre Betsy Head Park. Originally built in 1915 and subsequently renovated in 1958, the playground will be redesigned to create an environment for creative, child-directed free play and to meet the current recreational needs of the community.
Design Concept:
Rockwell Group is transforming the existing rectilinear, asphalt-covered site into a lush, verdant park with meandering paths and play areas for children and adults. Inspired by large number of London Plane trees that populate the park, we are weaving a sinuous play ramp through the trees to define the play area and create the feeling of being up in a tree house. Different varieties of plants will be added to the grounds to bring more color to the park.
Design Highlights:
Imagination Playground is a play space designed for children from 2 to 12 where they can manipulate and create an area of their own with sand, water and loose parts, including Imagination Playground Blocks. The ramp, which rises to a height of 6 feet, incorporates interactive play structures including a bridge, poles for climbing and sliding, periscopes, and a playground kit. The ramp is enclosed by a fence and metal mesh that create a transparent theater-like structure that can be seen in and out, and at different angles.
Sensory walls that guide children to the sand area are comprised of green perforated metal screens designed in a tree house motif, and features sound funnels and speakers. The water play area has a granite and concrete water table and in-ground water jets that allow children to experiment with liquidity. The tree house concept will also be carried to a storage structure for the loose parts. The structure is made from a recycled shipping container painted yellow and topped with a green metal perforated screen in a tree canopy pattern.
Rockwell Group is also reorienting the basketball court and renovating the basketball and handball courts. Custom curvilinear bleachers will be installed in between the courts, allowing people to gather and watch basketball and handball games. Other existing park equipment, including a swing set, game tables, and benches will be updated. A small fitness area for adults with three multi-use equipment stations will also be created.
Location: Dumont Avenue between Hopkinson Avenue and Bristol Street Brooklyn, New York
Client: New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Size: 60,817 SF
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