This project was a winner of the Community Design Collaborative's PlaySpace Design Competition.

The original competition design envisioned a dynamic nature play space built on top of the existing site. Rather than starting from scratch, we reimagined existing site features, like out of date play structures, and utilized reclaimed materials, such as salvaged trees, logs, steppers, mulch, and sand. We saw our design as a lightweight, inexpensive kit of parts that could be utilized to transform urban playgrounds in Philadelphia and across the country.

After the competition, Make the World Better Foundation and Urban Roots selected Waterloo Playground as their next renovation project. We worked closely with them, the design team, and the community to create a vibrant hybrid of urban and nature play that is a true reflection of the Norris Square neighborhood.

This project was the site of our smarterPLAY project.