JBCLandscapeArchitects

Project Scope And Size

Completed in Summer 2022, this 3-acre site was designated by the City of Urbandale as a natural playscape. The design team was tasked with designing a comprehensive, phased master plan for the park as well as Phase 1 construction documents and construction administration. area.

DESIGN PROGRAM, SITE AND CONTEXT

The park was designed to create pockets of play that continually change and keep kids curious about what’s next, extending their play time. It was also imperative to design a space that is convenient for caregivers, incorporating a restroom and shelter, shade both from existing trees and tree plantings, easy visual and mobility access, and places to rest while kids are playing. The entrant designed the parking lot directly across from the existing entrance drive to Waterford Park, creating an efficient and safe intersection while using existing context and infrastructure to inform design. This intersection and crossing provides access to the Walnut Creek Trail, which connects the park to the larger park and trail system throughout the City and Metro area. Future phases also provide connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods to create a true sense of place.

DESIGN INTENT / MATERIALS AND METHODS

The design was intended to incorporate the existing features of the undeveloped space and using natural materials to every extent possible to create a destination park that would elevate nature play in the Des Moines Metro

Environmental Impact And Concerns

Designing this space at Barrett Boesen Park for children to appreciate nature through water quality, native plants and trees, insects and animals, seeing the life cycle in action, and learning how natural materials are made and used begins a lifelong journey of dedication to the natural world. Landscape architects have an important role to play in connecting children with nature to nurture the next generation of advocates.

Collaboration With Client And Others

As lead designer on the project, the entrant brought innovative nature play to life at Barrett Boesen Park. The entrant designed an online survey which helped to inform the design process and received over 1,300 respondents from the community, representing 2,550 children. The popularity of the park shows that the design team listened, heard, and executed on what users of the park wanted to see. A civil engineer assisted with parking lot design, utilities, and local stormwater requirements on this project.

Significant Issues And Special Factors

While accessibility and inclusivity were identified as important elements in the online public engagement survey, there are no specific inclusive design standards for nature play. To combat this, the entrant adapted standard playground inclusivity standards to the natural elements used on site to ensure accessibility and inclusivity of Barrett Boesen Park’s play features. This project also provided significant positive PR for the City of Urbandale and the landscape architecture profession in five separate publications and news outlets. All publicity regarding any park that was designed by a landscape architect serves to benefit and elevate the public perception of the entire profession.

BARRETT BOESEN PARK & NATURAL PLAYSCAPE, Urbandale, Iowa

Parks, Recreation & Open Space Design - MERIT AWARD