Themed playground in Pleasant Park in Apex, USA
In the US state of North Carolina, in the small town of Apex, the almost 400,000 m² big Pleasant Park opened in summer 2023, offering multi-purpose playing fields, sports fields, cross-country trails, a food truck road and the brand new 6,000 m² “Enchanted Forest”. It contains nine inclusive playgrounds. These nine “villages” include water, nature and sand play areas as well as areas with swings and spinning elements. Each playground has been designed with its own story – a place to dive into the greatest fairy tales and give every player the chance to be part of the story.
The project was designed by landscape architecture firm WithersRavenel, planning manager Angela Reincke, Berliner Play Equipment Corporation together with Barrs Recreation, the local Berliner distribution partner. The playground is inspired by the fables and fairy tales that have shaped users for generations. Angela says her own enthusiasm for designing Pleasant Park lies in “imagining an inclusive play space that is created from childhood stories and turned into reality. And then seeing the joy and wonder on the children’s faces when they experience these moments.”
The biggest playground is based on the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz”. The equipment from Berliner, creates a unique themed world through the chosen shapes and colours. The playground invites you to walk through the little land of the Munchkins until you reach the “Emerald City” via the “yellow brick road” on the fall protection surface – a modified Triitopia.02 with green HDPE panels.
At the same time, the Triitopia symbolizes the houses that are whirled around by the tornado that brings Dorothy to Oz. The large spatial net inside allows children of different abilities to climb together with their friends. You can reach a height of more than 10 meters directly through the “funnel of the tornado” or via a net passageway that runs along the outside of Triitopia – up the seven levels. From there you have a good view over the Land of Oz. If the Wicked Witch of the West is hot on your heels, you can quickly escape via the large green tube slide.
There are several entry points into the impressive playhouse and you can romp between the “houses” or slip straight into the symbolic “ruby red slippers”. The Fast Lane Slide also offers a fun experience for younger adventurers. For them, the slide can be reached via a shorter climbing path.
The blue houses are custom-made from Berliner and create the village in the land of the Munchkins. Users with physical impairments can easily access the two houses via ramps and join in the fun in Oz.
Connected to the Munchkins’ houses is a low rope course element that allows experienced climbers to balance over wobbly plates.
The blue houses have grey aluminum posts with orange clamps to emphasize the contrast with the blue HDPE panels and the tube slide. The vibrant choice of colours played an important role in creating an inviting playscape.
The weary travelers can take time to rest on the hammock. After a long day, defeating the Wicked Witch of the West and meeting the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion, the adventure can end on the Hand-over-Hand Ladder that leads home to Aunt Em and Uncle Henry.
