Playground
The new Franklin Park playground is under construction! Playground amenities will be accessible for children of all abilities and a bonded rubber surfacing material will be installed for safe and inclusive play.
The playground features a custom rope climber with a geometric pod at the top leading to a slide. Equipment for kids ages two to five years old offers developmentally appropriate features that include sensory, motor and cognitive skills, and will help build social and emotional skills. Features include multiple play panels and tables with activities for visitors to explore.
Additional play equipment geared toward older children ages 5 to 12 includes unique geometric shapes with multiple entry points, continuous play routes and an alpine slide with banked curve. There is also a standalone spinner.
Construction of the playground at Franklin Park is expected to be completed by summer 2022. This includes construction of a nearby outdoor gym.
Slide Design
The stainless steel tunnel slide is designed to reflect heat and keep the sliding surface at a moderate temperature due to the fact that it’s shaded from the top surface of the tunnel to the bottom. According to the playground manufacturer, Landscape Structures, the slide exit is made of smooth concrete to provide a much lower temperature where the slide opens up at the bottom. Care is taken in the design to keep any areas that a child may come into contact with shaded and cool for safety. Landscape Structures has installed several of these slides at park playgrounds in other states, including in Mesa, Arizona and they have performed well in a variety of temperatures with no heat related concerns.
View concepts of the playground design below.
