Our team envisioned transforming an 1/8 acre asphalt surface parking lot into a nature-based, bird-friendly play space for the Borough of Lansdowne, focused on play for children 0-5 and their caregivers.

The design encourages environmental stewardship and habitat for native bird species. The site includes boulders, logs, and mounds for scrambling, embankment slides, a bird themed play structure that provides opportunities for hiding, climbing, and perching, swings for babies and families to swing together, spinner plates, a sand area, and a shaded caregiver plaza with seating and places to park strollers.

A universally accessible play experience is provided by a connected path that runs through the site, and transfer boulders at each of the play mounds. Seating is placed throughout the site for caregivers to rest and interact with their children near the play features.

Plants were intentionally selected for their habitat value, food and nest materials for birds, and for seasonal and play interest, with lots of loose parts, sticks, scents, and seed pods. Birdhouses are located to encourage nesting behaviors and allow children to interact with wildlife.