River Park and Playground

The Town of Breckenridge in Colorado is famous for its pristine natural environment and world-class amenities.  In keeping with the community‘s active outdoor lifestyle, the natural wood playground at River Park is artfully designed to further emulate these connections to nature.

PHASE ONE:
In collaboration with DTJ Design, the nature-based playground pays homage to the surrounding mountains, meadows and river.  The two timber ice towers at the center of the playground feature angular rooflines and abstract cladding to emulate mountain peaks. The towers and logs are stained with complementary colours to match the snow, sky and ice of the Rocky Mountains.  A rope bridge connects the two timber towers that can be accessed from multiple points and climbing routes varying in degrees of challenge.

The large log jam® with horizontal logs intersecting at varying angles, ropes and nets allows children to be creative in navigating the structure while developing physical skills of coordination and balance. The rope challenge obstacle course is a play circuit that features vertical posts carved to look like the cattails that would be found alongside a river.

PHASE TWO:

Phase two of River Park’s playground opened in 2020 and is intended for younger children.  The playground theme connects the  the playscape to the adjacent Blue River.  Fish species that populate the river were created in two and three dimensions – as climbing walls and sculptures swimming through the water and among the rocks and sandy river bed.  A small hillslide and sand play area with diggers compliment the junior play fish-themed elements.

This playground in Breckenridge Colorado is a true destination playscape that connects to surrounding neighbourhoods via the Town’s recreational multi-use paths. The playground design reflects the values of the town and takes advantage of the beautiful natural setting.  Slides and Sunshine named it the best playground in Breckenridge!

Client: Town of Breckenridge
Collaboration: DTJ Design (Phase One)
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Completion Date: 2018 (Phase One); 2020 (Phase 2)