Title
Review and Provide Input on the Alameda Point Neighborhood Park Playground and Fitness Equipment.
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review and Provide Input on the Alameda Point Neighborhood Park Playground and Fitness Equipment.
BACKGROUND
The Alameda Point Neighborhood Park is an approximately 2-acre linear park that is part of the Site A development and will serve as the primary park for 800 homes.
On February 12, 2015, the Recreation and Parks Commission (Commission) reviewed and commented on the Alameda Point Neighborhood Park design. At the time, this did not include a specific playground design. It was intended for this design to come back to the Commission at a later date.
DISCUSSION
This playground was designed as an Alameda Point destination playground. The whale design is paying homage to the humpback whale that called the Alameda Lagoon home, last summer as well as being a signature design that can be viewed from above by people flying into Oakland Airport.
This playground is a 5,025 square foot space that can accommodate up to 145 children at any one time. It has an intentional open play space designed to keep clear lines of visibility from all angles; eliminate dark corners or covered equipment to prevent hiding spaces; the space also allows enough free play space and “social distancing” options for small groups and families to feel safe and comfortable to enjoy while using.
The age 2-5 play area was designed for imaginative play as a boat with a steering wheel and “walk the plank.” It provides all of the traditional play value and play types appropriate for this age range. It was also designed with toddlers and parents in mind. All of the equipment is at ground level so this area will be a great space for toddlers to run, explore and discover while providing enough space and clearance for the parent to participate in play. This area includes:
• Boat theme with telescope and wheel
• Bell and bongo drum
• Crawl through panel
• Balance beam
• Pull up/spinning bar
• Spinner
• Mini sea star climber
• Intergenerational swing and tot swing
The age 5-12 play area is home to the large custom whale climber. Since it only has a critical fall height of 6’ and includes graduated climbing options, this space will be the main attraction for all ages. Each section of the whale provides a different level of challenge and inside of the whale provides a large, open space for the parents to supervise and participate - instead of just being the onlooker. This area includes:
• Surfboard balance board/spring rider
• Spinner
• Accelerator swing and bucket hammock inside the whale
• Slide
• Horizontal, vertical and lateral climbing
The playground has rubberized surfacing which is ADA accessible and high safety standards. The surfacing has several design components to enhance the playability and creativity of children. There is a whale tail as a silhouette design with an off spray around the perimeter of the whale to provide depth and weight. The surface will also have gradation where the “sand and water” colors meet, to soften up the harsh lines and create the illusion of movement
The fitness area is intended for teenagers, ages 14 and up, and adults. These components were chosen in close collaboration with maintenance in mind as well as experience with which components are most utilized by the public.
• Fitness Area Includes:
o 2 person lat pull down with an accessible feature
o Dip/Pull Up/Step Station
o Abs Station
The playground and fitness equipment has important maintenance and safety features. The fitness equipment has anti-microbial paint finishes. Elephant Play (whale feature) is the only manufacture that uses steel-core cables for lasting durability and mechanical cross joints for single defective cable repair/replacement versus having to purchase new sections or an entirely new net, which can be very costly. All equipment was selected with durability, safety, and long term maintenance in mind.
There will be benches around the playground for seating as well as two picnic tables directly adjacent to the west of the playground with a large shade structure over the tables. Shade trees will be planted along the length of the playground both to the north and south.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This playground installation is funded by Alameda Point Partners, which is building Site A. Once completed, the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department will be responsible for all ongoing maintenance. The Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget includes 8 months of operation of this park as well as start up costs.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide input on the Alameda Point Neighborhood Park playground and fitness equipment.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Alameda Point Neighborhood Park Playground and Fitness Equipment Design