MONTESSORI ACADEMY AT EDISON LAKES
NATURAL PLAYSCAPE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
DRAFT
SUMMER 2019
PREPARED BY:
D R AFT
DR A F T
EX I S T I N G CO N DI T I O N S SI T E A N A LYS I S DES I G N C H A R E T T E DES I G N DI SC U SSI O N P L AYSC A P E CO N C EPTS P L AYSC A P E DESI G N S MAT ER I A L CO STS
D R AFT
DR A F T
EXISTING CONDITIONS
D R AFT
FACING EAST AT PLAYGROUND
FACING EAST AT PEACE POLE
The existing play structure is outdated and dangerous.
The existing Peace Pole space is a special monument for the school and should be a part of the new design. Existing pathway used for tricycles.
FACING NORTH AT FIELDS
FACING WEST AT PICNIC AREA
The existing slope provides some play opportunities (rolling, sledding) and also challenges with access to playground.
Mature trees provide shade and areas for imaginative play. Open lawn allows play beyond playground.
DR A F T
EX I S T I NG CO NDI T I ONS
FACING SOUTH AT PLAYGROUND There are limited swings and other play opportunities in the current playground.
FACING NORTH AT PLAYGROUND Existing play structures are predictable and uninspiring. A low spot exist at the bottom of slope drenching the area.
Existing active recreation fields
Slope
Peace Pole Tri-Cycle Track Existing Swings
Imaginary Play Kitchen & Picnic Tables Low Spot Bare Lawn Area Slope down ~15’
Existing Storage Sand Area
Existing Play w/pea gravel below Existing Planter Existing Trash Bin Existing Drop-off Slope
Slope
Sl
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Existing Fence
Proposed Building Additon Area
E X I S T I NG CO NDI T I ONS
Tree to be removed
Adjacent Neighbors Visible
Slope
D R AFT
How about a zip-line!?
More trees to sit under!
DR A F T
DESIGN CHARE T TE
D R AFT
The Children’s Perspective What activities do you like to do outside...
What activities do you not like to do outside...
Zipline Parkour Seesaw Swing Geocaching Merry-go-round Gaga ball Volleyball Read Talk to friends Walk Climb 4 square Sit on monkey bars Twisty things Stunts Sports Run Hang Draw Rock climb Catch butterflies Hammocks Sit in the shade Jump rope
Be too hot Sliding Sports Tag Be bored Monkey bars – too short Sunburns Basketball court because it isn’t safe Being hungry Waiting for a swing to open up Sitting in the grass Spiders or snakes Fake grass Falling Running Standing getting dirty and getting things in shoes
DR A F T
Dig Eat snacks Lacrosse Make movies Sing and dance Play horses Monkey bars Ride horses Swim Skateboard Watch wildlife Play tag Catch and chase squirrels and birds Sleep Be a daredevil Baseball Roll down the hill Make up games Hide-and-seek Looking at plants
DE S I GN C HA R E T T E
D R AFT
The Teacher’s Perspective During our design discussion we asked you to provide your thoughts and concerns about the playscape design regarding its function, administrative considerations, and engagement opportunities. Below are some of the major themes regarding each of these categories.
ENGAGEMENT OPPOR TUNITIES • • • • • • • • •
Areas Specific To Age Group Pathway Around The Perimeter Of Play Area Areas For Imaginative Play Spaces For Respites Elements That Challenge Different Levels Of Physical Ability Using Natural Materials Opportunities To Attract Pollinators And Wildlife Elements Used As “Loose Parts” Some Programed Elements Such As 4 Square And Gaga Ball Musical Elements
“WHEN THEY ARE CLIMBING, THEY ARE DEVELOPING THEIR BRAINS.”
DR A F T
FUNC TION • • • • • • • • •
Clear Sight Lines; No Hiding Spots Natural Materials; No Plastic Planting And Trees More Climbing Opportunities More Balance Opportunities More Swing Opportunities Functional Benches With Storage Incorporate Water As An Element Of The Design Incorporate The Peace Pole
ADMINISTR ATIVE CONSIDER ATIONS • • • • • • •
Elements That Are Easy To Repair Safety First Consider Fall Zones And Materials More Storage Address Current Issue With Rubber Coating, Splinters And Rusty Screws Avoid The Use Of Insecticide Distinguish Areas That Can Be Funded Through Fundraising
PLAY
COGNITIVE
EDUCATION
A flow of movement should be encouraged using natural materials as play structures, observation opportunities and borders. Teachers should have a clear line of sight from all directions of the playscape to inspire confidence in student safety and allow for self directed play.
Natural features should encourage a variety of physically and mentally engaging activities that challenge children’s senses and inspire curiosity in their abilities and the world around them.
Whether you’re discussing the where rain comes from or why the trees lose their leaves in the winter, the playscape design will display a plethora of educational opportunities for every age.
DISCOVERY
SENSORY
ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
Regardless of age or ability, the playscape should offer a variety of opportunities for students to play, observe nature, and learn.
Using natural materials, the playscape design will provide an explosion of sensory experiences. Sight, touch, smell, sound, proprioception, and vestibular senses will all be engaged.
DE S I GN DI S C U S S I O N
With native plantings we can encourage pollinators to the playscape and provide opportunities to observe natural systems and wildlife.
D R AFT
DR A F T
PL AYSC APE CONCEPTS Based on the feedback from the students, faculty, and staff as well as the site inventory and analysis, we diverged on ideas for the playscape. This involved several layers of consideration including: play, connectivitiy, health, education, safety, and cost. The following concepts catalog that process and helped to hone the overall direction.
D R AFT
Initial Exploration
For our first concept we placed a central axis line from the corner of the two existing buildings and created spaces that were specific to some of the needs you expressed during the design discussion including areas that were specific to age groups and levels of activity. We thought it was important to create a vegetated buffer between the turn-around lane and the surrounding neighbors, as well as using vegetation as a means to contain the playscape between the soccer field just past the existing trees. Seating would be available throughout the design to give teachers a play to watch their students play. Where the water gathers in the existing play area we will incorporate a river bed that serves as rain garden after a hard rain. Furthermore, we thought it was important to highlight the area where the Peace Pole is located. Using a rock garden design, we can make this area a focal point of the playscape.
DR A F T
PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
Second Iteration
The pathway circulation drove the second iteration of this concept to provide opportunities to move around the perimeter of the playscape as well as weave through it.
PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
D R AFT
Third Iteration
Proximity to plant materials drove the third iteration, reducing the need for hardscape materials and encouraging more softscape materials throughout. A boardwalk was incorporated to protect the roots of the existing tree as well as provide a unique experience along the pathway.
DR A F T
PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
Log Row
Sand Dunes
Peace Garden
Boulder Range
Timber Climb
River Birch Grove River Bed
PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
D R AFT
Second Concept For our second concept we began with the same axis line, but focused more on visibility from the teacher’s perspective. With this is in mine, we created a central viewing location around one of the existing trees. From this location, teacher’s can view the activities of their students from any direction, allowing students to play freely while giving peace of mind to the teachers concerned about safety. Additionally, we addressed the slope from the building down into the playscape using a amphitheater like design. This area can be used for a multitude of purposes including seating, tiered gardening, performances, etc.
DR A F T
PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
Urban Play River Bed
Sand Dunes Nature Climb
Amphitheater
Teacher’s Ring
River Birch Grove Peace Garden
PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
D R AFT
Final Thoughts
1. LOG YARD: Features several types of climbing logs, including log stack, stump climbers, and balance logs - area for both older and younger child climbing; potential for fort building and other imaginative play 2. ROCK OUTCROPPING: Play area for older children; deeper mulch needed 3. COLORFUL STICK FOREST: Playful element that provides physical, but not visual barrier to differentiate play areas
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4. LOOP PATHWAY: Concrete pathway with potential for playful colors to be painted along trail - For bicycles, running, and to maintain edge of playscape 5. PEACE GARDEN: Features small grove of trees to reduce scale, platforms for small group gathering, rocks/boulders to supplement existing rocks, and meditation labyrinth trail loop 6. SANDBOX: Small sand play area with tree stumps that surround serving both as climbing play and seating 7. BUMP-OUT: Includes space for performances, four-square, and a chalkboard wall with trellis and vines above
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9. PATHWAY CONNECTORS: Paver routes over lawn
11. WILLOW HUT Small and thin hut for smaller children play 12. BOUNDARY GARDEN: Provides found objects for discovery, larger plants for edge containment
DR A F T
STORAGE SHED
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8. RAIN GARDEN: Learning laboratory to manage existing stormwater with additional pollinator habitat
10. MULCHED PLAY AREA Existing play area with picnic tables
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FUTURE BUILDING EXPANSION (Shown connecting existing buildings at entrance; extending approximately 20’ North of Lower Elementary Building)
FUTURE ADA CONNECTION Grades present a significant challenge to providing an accessible route and should be considered with the future addition. EXISTING BUILDING
PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
SAFETY ZONE Factors in ample room and an increased depth of mulch (12�) around the higher play features
This final iteration honed the thinking around the initial concepts, reducing size of the pathways and other higher cost items to achieve a more costconscious concept. Additionally, we factored in play variability to make sure there were ample options for play across the spectrum of ages anticipated to play here. Fall zones around the higher play features and an increased depth of mulch were considered as well.
LAYERS OF PLAY Based on feedback from both the staff and children, as well as safety requirements and natural themes, a series of play spaces were devised to accommodate: • Separated spaces to regulate play groups, which included areas for the younger children closest to the building. • Varied play opportunities for older and younger kids, which reflect risk level and types of play. • Varied play opportunities across abilities, so that each group has ample options for play within the space. 11
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LAYERS OF ABILITY Whie all kids can play across the entire playscape with supervision, the play zones were devised to group younger children closer to the building and adults.
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PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
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D R AFT
EXISTING TREES LAYERS OF TREES Provide both canopy and ornamental trees are included to provide shade, vary scale, focus attention toward key features. New trees should have low leaf waste, high durability, and fit RIVER BIRCH within landscape biomes. Multi-stem Canopy Tree Additionally, existing trees are to be maintained and protected. They improve ambiant air quality, reduce energy costs, mitigate humidity, while also providing an important role in the creative play of the children.
DOGWOOD GROVE Ornamental Trees SUGAR MAPLE Canopy Tree SERVICEBERRY Multi-stem Ornamental Tree
Trees should be planted in the fall, when it cools down to ensure long term servivability.
TREES
RIVER BIRCH Multi-stem Canopy Tree
LAYERS OF LANDSCAPE Each area of the playscape is themed after a different biome to fully implement the learning laboratory. Landscape materials are intended to be native, low maintenance, hardy, functional, and representative of the overarching ecosystem. • • • • • •
HONEYLOCUST Canopy Tree
EXISTING TREES
REDBUD GROVE Native Ornamental Trees
Serviceberry
REDBUD Native Ornamental Tree STORMWATER Better support existing flow patterns to help preserve play areas
Sedge Meadow/Wetland: Features plants that sometimes SEDGE MEADOW EMERGENT are inundated with stormwater. WETLAND Dune: Features sand and grasses BIOME Prairie: Features taller grasses and wildflowers. Dedicuous Forest: Highlights multi-stemmed trees and groundcovers. Desert: Mostly rocks with some grasses. Wildflower/Meadow: Native Indiana wildflower mix.
DUNE BIOME
DECIDUOUS FOREST BIOME
PRAIRIE BIOME
DESERT BIOME GROUNDCOVER Durable groundcover surrounding play areas.
WILDFLOWER MEADOW BIOME
LANDSCAPE DR A F T
River Birch
PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
DENSE PLANTING Provide more dense planting along East edge to condense play and provide buffer. BUFFER DRIVEWAY Provide pollinator habitat with a more formal planting edge.
LAYERS OF CONNECTIVITY With one main entrance to the playscape to control access, there are several routes around the space and other points provided to connect to the large active receation field beyond. A 5’ loop path was provided as a play opportunity, for bicycling, running, as well as meditative walking.
CONNECTION LAYERS OF HEALTH Looking at each facet of health separately within the playscape, a more holistic approach childhood growth and development is addressed. Within the landscape, several areas serve more than one aspect of health, including the main play areas (which primarily address physical and social health).
The different facets addressed in this plan include: •
Physical Health (RED) includes both active and passive recreation opportunities.
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Social Health (BLUE) includes large and small group sized spaces as well as fringe spaces for social observation.
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Mental Health (YELLOW) includes spaces for respite as well as intellectual curiousity/ development, such as role playing.
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Environmental Health (GREEN) includes spaces that support polinator habitat, water management, and native planting.
HEALTH PL AYS C A PE CONC E P T
D R AFT
Montessori Academy Edison Lakes Playscape Preliminary Cost Estimate - 07.03.19 BASE BID Item Mobilization / Demobilization (7%) Construction Engineering (3%) Common Excavation Earthwork / Grading / Drainage Swale Topsoil (8") Hardscape Elements River Rock, Washed Stone (under Peace Garden Decks) Concrete Area, 4" Medium Field Boulders Pavers Edging Play Elements Willow Hut Log Stack Stumps Log Balance Beam Stick Forest Sand Box Boulder Climb Peace Garden Decks Trellis Chalkboard Walls (2 - 4'x8' panels) Landcape Elements Canopy Trees Ornamental Trees Perennial Beds Groundcover Bioswale/Rain Garden Mulch Underdrain, 4" Socked Geotextile Fabric
DR A F T
QTY
Unit
Unit Cost
Cost
1 1 1 1 128
LS LS LS LS CYS
$ $ $ $ $
7,885 3,379 10,000 5,000 55
$7,885 $3,379 $10,000 $5,000 $7,055
11 199 30 25 560
TON SYS EA EA LF
$ $ $ $ $
110 60 100 100 7
$1,161 $11,913 $3,000 $2,500 $3,920
1 1 32 1 1 7 1 9 10 2
LS LS LS LS LS CYS LS SYS LS EA
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
500 4,500 40 1,000 1,500 60 9,500 125 200 250
$500 $4,500 $1,280 $1,000 $1,500 $417 $9,500 $1,111 $2,000 $500
4 10 835 2763 368 179 30 493
EA EA LS LS LS CYS LF SYS
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
550 400 15 3 15 70 25 10 Subtotal Contingency (5%) Total
$2,200 $4,000 $12,525 $8,289 $5,513 $12,503 $750 $4,927 $128,827 $6,441 $135,269
MAT E R I A L COS TS
Base Items $4,502 $1,930 $10,000 $5,000 $7,055
$11,913
$3,920
Alternates $2,296 $984
$1,161 $3,000 $2,500
$500
$417 $1,111
$2,200 $4,000 $12,525
$750 $4,927 $70,749 $3,537 $74,287
Donation or Reuse
$1,500
$4,500 $1,280 $1,000
$9,500 $2,000 $500
$8,289 $5,513
$36,082 $1,804 $37,886
$12,503
$20,445 $1,022 $21,467