Overview
The City of Raleigh contracted with Timmons Group to design a playground for the first phase of Barwell Road Park in southeast Raleigh. The playground fit into an overall master plan that was previously developed for the park. The playground is broken up into four distinct areas. There are two pods with traditional play equipment, a flexible open space, and an American Ninja Warrior style challenge course.
The two pods feature age-separated play structures along with swing sets. The main attraction of the 5-12 play pod will be twin 12’ towers with multiple slides and a variety of play features. The challenge course, sponsored by the Carolina Panthers NFL team, is a new element in the City’s parks system. In addition to the obstacle course components the course features a 40-yard dash with timing equipment, a motivational jukebox and Carolina Panthers branding. Existing trees were maintained to the fullest extent possible. New trees will provide shade in the playground and native wildflowers and grasses will stabilize slopes.
Providing ADA accessibility was critical in the design process. All pathways are less than 5% slope, the play equipment provides opportunities for all skill and mobility levels (including accessible swings) and poured-in-place surfacing is used throughout the play pods. As the park was further developed, accessible parking was provided adjacent to the playground and pedestrian connections connect the park to a future greenway.
