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How far away do you live from the park?

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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.

aerial image of the future playground placement within Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Phase 1

Playground Concept Choices 

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).

Hills & Valleys Playground Concept

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.

The aerial image of the Hills & Valleys playground concept

 

Hills & Valleys Playground Concept Elevation Changes

This image shows a cross section of the Hills & Valley playground concept and the variety of elevations. 

 

This image shows a cross section of the elevation differences for the Hills & Valleys playground concept.

Lakeside Hideout Playground Concept

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.

An aerial concept drawing of the Lakeside Hideout option

Lakeside Hideout Playground Concept Elevation Changes
This image shows a cross section of the Lakeside Hideout playground concept and the variety of elevations. 

This image shows the Lakeside Hideout variations in elevation (which is flatter overall than the HIlls & Valleys)

 

Question title

Which playground layout do you prefer?

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Do you prefer a playground with elevation changes and paths that wind through different play zones or a flatter, open pathway design?

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How important is natural shade from existing trees in your playground experience?

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Which type of layout best suits your needs for visibility and supervision?

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Do you have other comments about the two design concepts you would like to share?

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Scott IngallsThe berms concept was used at Butler Park prior to CAG, and it was not popular. At CAG, the most commonly used areas are the rope tower, climbing wall, picnic tables, and the swings. I am not saying WEL needs to copy that, but it has worked there so far, the children love it as d...See More
ReplyAgree23 days ago

Theme Choices

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.

Theme 1: Active Adventurous Artistic Colorful Playful

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.

Theme 1 play examples images

Theme 2: Explorative Imaginative Nature Treehouse Wildlife

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.

Theme 2 play examples

Theme 3: Adventurous, Aquatic, Boating, Fishing, Wildlife

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.

Theme 3 play images

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Please rank the following theme choices from 1 to 3, with 1 being your top preference for the playground equipment design.

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Do you have other comments about the theme choice for the playground you would like to share?

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Scott IngallsThe berms concept was used at Butler Park prior to CAG, and it was not popular. At CAG, the most commonly used areas are the rope tower, climbing wall, picnic tables, and the swings. I am not saying WEL needs to copy that, but it has worked there so far, the children love it as d...See More
ReplyAgree23 days ago

Play Feature Choices

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 Elements

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:

  • Logs & Boulders: Climbing elements for balance and coordination.
  • Sand/Dirt Play: Areas for digging and building.
  • Simulated Water Play: Streams, fountains, or splash zones for sensory fun.
  • Loose Parts: Sticks, leaves, and stones for open-ended play.
  • Trails & Tunnels: Natural pathways for exploration.
  • Wildflower Meadows: Open spaces for free play and nature observation.

Hills & Valleys Nature Play Elements

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. 

Hills & Valleys Nature Play element layout

Lakeside Hideout Nature Play Elements

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

Lakeside Hideout nature play layout

 

 

Question title

Which nature play concept do you prefer?

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Help the project team understand your priorities for the nature play area of the final design. Please select the top 7 nature play areas you would like to see incorporated.

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Any other comments regarding nature play you would like the project team to consider?

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Scott IngallsThe berms concept was used at Butler Park prior to CAG, and it was not popular. At CAG, the most commonly used areas are the rope tower, climbing wall, picnic tables, and the swings. I am not saying WEL needs to copy that, but it has worked there so far, the children love it as d...See More
ReplyAgree23 days ago

Traditional Play Elements

Traditional play features are classic playground elements that promote physical activity and skill-building.

Examples include:

  • Swings: Fun for all ages, enhancing balance and coordination.
  • Slides: Exciting and great for spatial awareness.
  • Climbing Structures: Build strength and coordination.
  • See-Saws: Encourage teamwork and balance.
  • Merry-Go-Rounds: Fast-paced fun that fosters cooperation and stamina.

Hills & Valleys Traditional Play Elements

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.

Aerial image of the Hills & Valley traditional play features  

Lakeside Hideout Traditional Play Elements

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.

Lakeside Hideout traditional play area

 

 

Question title

Which traditional play concept do you prefer?

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Help the project team understand your priorities for the traditional play area of the final design. Please select up to 7 traditional features you would like to see incorporated.

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Any other comments on traditional play that you would like to share with the project team?

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Make Comment Public or Private
Scott IngallsThe berms concept was used at Butler Park prior to CAG, and it was not popular. At CAG, the most commonly used areas are the rope tower, climbing wall, picnic tables, and the swings. I am not saying WEL needs to copy that, but it has worked there so far, the children love it as d...See More
ReplyAgree23 days ago

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How did you hear about the project?

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What is your age range?

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Do you have children under the age of 18 who live with you?

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What is your race/ethnicity?

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What is your annual household income?

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What language is spoken at home?

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