Nestled on the northern flank of San Bruno Mountain, you’ll find Alice Chalmers Playground, a postage stamp of a space but profoundly important to the youth that called this neighborhood home. Sadly, the playground had seen better days and was ranked one of the worst playgrounds in San Francisco. Through the San Francisco Parks Alliance Let’s PlaySF initiative and the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond nearly $3M was identified for its renovation.
After proving ourselves on several other epic playgrounds and creative play spaces, Groundworks Office was commissioned to lead the community engagement and design effort for the makeover of the playground. During a rigorous 8-month community outreach and listening phase a scheme that celebrated the raw and unbridled California Coast was chosen. The rocky coastline was reimagined as an agglomeration of oversized precast blocks haphazardly sited across the park. The blocks epitomize our stance on providing challenging and risky play options for kids.
Standing at the figurative and literal center of the park is a first of its kind in North America, a three tiered 35’ vertical play extravaganza manufactured by the Finish company Lappset. The structure dramatically expands the play footprint of the park without the pesky fall heights required in modern playgrounds. Once atop the structure, you get a commanding view of San Francisco’s iconic skyline and to the majestic California coast.
In the end, we believe the design and our creative approach to play provides kids with a free and creative play opportunity allowing children to utilize their imagination while engaging the playground.
View Original