The Essex County Park System is one of the oldest and most expansive in the
state of New Jersey. One of the jewels of the system, Verona Park is the 5th
largest park spanning 54 acres containing a lake at it’s center with a concession
and meeting space, walking/jogging paths, green space, courts, children’s garden
and playground. A destination park for the County, a variety of improvements
have recently been made and the time had come to upgrade the fifteen year old
playground.
Arterial had to address a number of issues with the existing playground that
included the site’s topography, under-utilized shade pavilion and decentralized
play areas. By leveling out a central area for the new playground, an ‘adventure hill’
was created towards the back of the playground that stands over eight feet tall.
This ‘adventure hill’ incorporates slides and several different climbing apparatuses
that create a unique and imaginative play feature that spans most of the length
of the playground. A continuous path along the top of the ‘adventure hill’ and
weaves the various elements of the park together including the shade pavilion
that was previously disconnected. Age appropriate play equipment is provided to
allow both the younger and older children the opportunity for safe play on various
components. Other elements include: rubberized safety surface, new fence and
sidewalks, seat wall and benches.