Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, Austin's largest park, spans 3,695 acres on the city's far eastern edge, just west of State Highway 130 and a short drive from downtown. The park features the 1,165-acre Lake Walter E. Long, rich with preserved habitats, and also houses the Travis County Exposition Center. Park amenities include hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, volleyball courts, boat ramps, and fishing piers. This is the second (and final) survey planned to gather community input for providing traditional and nature based play amenities for the initial phase 1 improvements located at the Blue Bluff entrance to the park for the upcoming scheduled infrastructure improvements based on the 2020 Vision Plan. You can learn more about on the project webpage. Your feedback is appreciated. All questions are optional.
We are excited to hear your thoughts on the draft play concepts, themes and play features proposed for this park. You can review the full presentation on the playground concept designs here.
Play areas are important for encouraging physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among children and families. The final design will include both traditional and nature-play elements. The designs and questions on this survey were informed by the community participation in the first-round survey and popup meetings. Responses to this survey will help the project team complete the final design.
Please review the following descriptions of the two playground layout choices. It is important to note, specific theme or play features described can be substituted based on survey results and other factors (such as availability and costs).
This design takes advantage of the natural slope by incorporating rolling hills, climbing elements, and shaded play areas under existing trees. A raised berm creates distinct play zones, including a tower with slides, a nature obstacle course, a dry creek bed with potential water play, and a tricycle path looping through the space. Seating areas provide clear views for caregivers.
This image shows a cross section of the Hills & Valley playground concept and the variety of elevations.
This concept keeps the play area on flatter land near picnic spaces and potential food trucks, with new trees added for shade. A themed play structure (chosen from one of the three themes) features climbing areas, slides, and swings. A nature play section includes a fort, stepping stones, and a mud kitchen for imaginative play. Seating nooks and hammock zones provide cozy relaxation spots.
A playground theme is a concept that shapes the design, using colors, shapes, and equipment to create a playful world—like a castle or an adventure setting. Themes inspire imaginative play and will guide the final selection of play structures and features. There are three themes to choose from and one will be selected to inform the final design.
The images include examples of play structures and features that could be used in the final design of the playground if Theme 1 is selected.
These images include examples of play structures and features that could be used in the final design of the playground if Theme 2 is selected.
These images include examples of play structures and features that could be used in the final desing of the playground if Theme 3 is selected.
The next sections will cover specfic play elements and features for tradional and nature play. The final design will be decided with survey results, feedback we receive during our community engagement and by material availability and cost.
Nature play features incorporate natural elements into play spaces, fostering creativity and sensory exploration. Unlike traditional playgrounds, these spaces encourage interaction with natural materials and landscapes.
Examples include:
Incorporated in the Hills & Valleys playground concept are 9 distinct areas. 1) obstacle play, 2) hillside feature, 3) water play, 4) nest habitats (small, natural structures), 5) lawn area, 6) dry creek bed, 7) sand play, 8) rockscramble wall (climbing structure made from natural stones), 9) picnic area.
Incorporated in the Lakeside Hideout playground concept are 9 distinct areas. 1) passive seating, 2) music play, 3) hammocks, 4) climbers, 5) mud kitchen, 6) stepping stones, 7) fort play, 8) lawn area, 9) obstacle elements
Traditional play features are classic playground elements that promote physical activity and skill-building.
Examples include:
Incorporated in the Hills & Valleys playground concept are 9 distinct play areas. 1) bridges, 2) rubber berm (hills), 3) tactile play panels, 4) musical play, 5) a themed play structure, 6) climbing structure, 7) nooks (seating/gathering) areas made from stone, 8) traditional swings and 9) spinners.
Incorportated in the Lakeside Hideout playground concept are 8 distinct play areas. 1) jumping play, 2) sculptural feature, 3) sensory play panel, 4) themed play structure, 5) climbers, 6) linear play (a structure organized in a line) 7) music play, and 8) traditional swings.
