ASPEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

Client: Aspen School District/Aspen Parent Teacher Organization
Location: Aspen Elementary School, Colorado
Project Status: Completed 2011


Connect One Design collaborated on a pro bono basis with the Aspen Elementary School to provide a more usable, exciting, and educational outdoor space for the students. Much of the play spaces at the school were underutilized or in need of refurbishment.

Connect One drew on the surrounding environment of the school to create a playground that was inclusive of all ages and abilities at the school. The design celebrates the Rocky Mountain environment with playful interpretations of the geologic past, mining history, and fascination with outdoor sports including climbing, sledding, and even off-road driving. The design facilitates active, cooperative, creative, dramatic, and manipulative play while helping children explore social and environmental concepts. Many of the elements included were built or provided by the community to maximize the financial savings to the school, and allow them to construct a more exciting, engaging, and inclusive space for the children.

TIME-LAPSE VIDEO OF NEW PLAYGROUND IN-USE

Design Elements

· Mining Shack Structure with Tube Slides
· ADA Bridge Crossing
· 10 Swing Bays, 20 Swings Total
· Chinning Bars
· Parallel Bars
· Four Soccer Fields
· History of the Earth Walkway
· Compass
· Map of the World Mural
· Natural Balance Beams
· Sand River
· Triple Ring Fling
· Monkey Bars
· Neutron Spinner
· Troll Bridge
· Rock Scramble Wall
· Climbing Wall
· Tunnels
· Jump Pit
· Custom Benches
· Rock Scotch
· Key Hole Fort
· Wildflower Revegetation
· Jeep

Services

· Concept Design
· Three Dimensional Modeling
· Visual Simulation
· Bidding Documents
· Construction Administration

Website Links

· Aspen Elementary School
· Rocky Mountain Recreation
· Austin Civil Group
· Fitzgerald Landscaping