Design Standards - Garland Playground Replacement Program

Design Standards

Play spaces should be designed as areas that are enjoyable for the entire family, regardless of age or ability! The play elements and surrounding site amenities should be designed as one large recreational zone to ensure the playground and site amenities function together as one space. The inclusion of benches, picnic tables and shade structures will ensure a comfortable space for mom and dad or grandparents while children play on the new playgrounds!

Site amenities should be functional and aesthetically pleasing. The inclusion of game tables will encourage interactive play and improve hand eye coordination! Water fountains, bottle fillers and water bowls for pets will provide a refreshing break for everyone, even the family dog! Site amenities play a big role in the play space and each playground has been purposefully designed to provide an enjoyable experience for the whole family!

Benches

Children and Adults alike need comfortable seating while taking a break from the great outdoors! These durable benches will have you rested and back on the playground in no time! Below are some bench models that will be used for these playgrounds:

Picnic Tables

When it’s time to sit down for a rest or a snack, these picnic stations provide a long lasting solution! Here are some Picnic table models that will be used.

Water Fountains Game Tables

Hydration is the foundation of a healthy day of play and exercise. ADA water fountains provide drinking water to friends and family of all ages and abilities! Game tables appeal to both older and younger generations! These sturdy recreation solutions will provide years of long lasting fun in the sun! Some of the recommended vendors for game tables are Stone Age, R&R Outdoors, and Outdoor Concrete Games. Some options for water fountains are shown below:

Shade Structures

We all love to play outdoors in the sun! But let’s face it, sometimes we need shade and relaxation! Shade structures are a pivotal part of a functioning park system. By utilizing modern design processes, we are able to create functional areas of sun and shade that can become a safe haven from the hot sun as well as serve as functional art installations.

Shade Trees

Shade trees are great for the environment, clean the air we breathe and provide a great escape from the hot Texas sun! Don’t forget to bring your blanket for a nap or a picnic in the cool shade! Filtered shade is preferable for playground areas while dense shade is ideal for seating areas.

• Shummard Oak

• Chinquapin Oak

• Cedar Elm

• Live Oak

• Monterrey Oak

• Lacebark Elm

• Chinese Pistache

Native Screens

Native plantings can be used as a natural fence! Strategically planting shrubs and trees in specific areas creates an aesthetically pleasing look and provides a green buffer between playgrounds and roads.

• Vitex

• Eastern Red Cedar

• Possumhaw Holly

• East Palatka Holly

• Wichita Blue Juniper

• Eve’s Necklace

• Cherry Laurel

Retaining Walls

Many play spaces have varied elevations and retaining walls are necessary to contain dirt and ensure areas of the playground are accessible for everyone! Many walls can be constructed so kids can climb and jump and parents can comfortably sit as they watch their family playing!