Windshire Park Finds Inspiration In Surrounding Mountainous Landscape
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Located in the Front Range of Colorado, the city of Windsor is occupied by 30,000 residents and is experiencing exponential growth. With an increasing population, it was important to create a common space for friends and family to join together in fellowship.
This is where Go Play, Inc., a Colorado-based recreation dealership, came in to assist the city by creating a full site environment at the new Windshire Park. Recreational product manufacturer, Superior Recreational Products, assisted Go Play, Inc. in creating a natural theme that highlights the surrounding mountainous landscape.
“I believe the park here really benefits the community by offering them a place to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful vistas that they have at this location,” President of Go Play, Inc. Jennifer VanWormer says. “Children can play, be outside, and have some fun while their parents enjoy the outdoor space as well.”
The main goals for this park playground were to have a natural color scheme, playground equipment for children of all ages, and to incorporate site furnishings for relaxing and socializing. The views from the surrounding Rocky Mountains and green space were inspiration for this nature-themed park.
“We tried to incorporate the beautiful landscape here by making it more of a transparent design, keeping the slides more on the back for the younger children and opening up the design with a lot of climbers for the older children,” VanWormer says. “That way while people are here enjoying the park, they can see the panoramic vista of the mountains and enjoy the green space that surround them.”
Two play structures were incorporated for different age groups. Two sets of swings with age-appropriate seating are placed around the playgrounds. Each playground uses different tones of brown and green for visual appeal that ties into the natural background.
The first structure is appropriate for children between the ages of 2 and 5. There are many components on this treehouse-themed playground that promote gross motor skills like the Zig-Zag Balance Beam, Faux Log Steppers, Bedrock Climbers, and many more. This structure is covered by two treehouse roofs that shade children from the sun. Activity panels are also included to help children brainstorm while playing.
The second playground structure aimed towards children ages 5 to 12 has a substantial amount of components for child development. Nine climbers are incorporated into this playground so children exercise balance and coordination. Different events like the Curved Wheel Swinger, Wiggle Walk, and Curved Trapeze Rings keep children entertained and create friendly competition on the playground. Two bridges were incorporated so that the entire structure connects together giving more opportunity for social play.
“My favorite part about this particular design is that it is quite unique and innovative. It is a custom design and we’ve incorporated a lot of high decks and new rope climbers. It just makes it a lot more fun and something new for the kids to experience,” VanWormer says.
The different site furnishings at Windshire Park create a welcoming and friendly environment. Picnic tables are located under a 16-foot metal pavilion and are accompanied by an outdoor grill. Multiple benches are placed throughout the park for resting and interacting. All of these amenities follow the natural color scheme that correlate with the playground structures.
“In designing a complete environment, especially in a green space or park environment, you’re looking to incorporate not only age appropriate playground equipment but things that offer shade so that people can sit comfortably,” VanWormer said.
Different shades of green and brown are present throughout the park as it ties in the natural aspects of this Colorado location. Nature-themed aspects like the treehouse roof, Faux Log Steppers, and the multiple sets of Lily Pad Steppers help set the tone of this park.
This complete site environment is ideal for large crowds as it accommodates many needs. With a covered picnic table area and outdoor grill, this allows for groups to stay for longer periods of time. The large child capacity for each playground structure allows for children to practice social play, and the transparent design helps guardians keep a close eye on what is happening on the playground.
“We feel like our products offered them a contemporary and innovative new experience to enhance the community even further,” VanWormer says. “We believe that Go Play, Inc. as a partner of Superior Recreational Products really brings the community together.”
Since the ribbon-cutting ceremony in summer 2019, Windshire Park has served the community well. The choice of creating an outdoor space for family, friends, camps, and events has benefited Windsor in numerous ways. Providing a common space for residents to get a breath of fresh air around the natural landscape is something every city can benefit from.