Our project with Childs Elementary School is the first rooftop playground for the School District of Philadelphia.

The existing rooftop was extremely weight limited, accessed only via a small freight elevator, and allowed limited penetration into the roof deck. Studio Ludo worked closely with Pennoni, the structural engineer, to design a light-weight modular play system that maximized play value for a cost-effective budget.

The existing community-built bike track was retained with new rolling hills and play structures contained within. The concept encourages climbing, sliding, perching, running, crawling, and spending time solo or with friends.

The project serves as a great model for dense urban schools with rooftop access. Many older school building have structural and space limitations, and often school communities are resource-limited. This project demonstrates that great play value can come with simple, strategic investments and design.