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This train themed playground in Waterloo was a natural choice for residents. A nearby rail line where children often played inspired the idea for the playground’s story. At the Albert Street rail yard, a decommissioned train has fallen off the broken rail tracks. It sits precariously tipped, creating an interesting play sculpture to climb over and crawl through. Timber rail ties are embedded in the path, split apart to show the end of the line.

A water tower is nearby where children can climb up to experience their play space from up high. Different access routes to the top of the tower give play options but the favourite escape route is via the slide. At the bottom of the slide, the log jam™ of angled timbers is a perfect place for climbing, balancing and hanging. A large net is fun to hang off of or hang out in with friends. Strategically placed rocks provide spaces for caregivers to sit or teenagers to socialize. Shade trees were added to provide shelter from the sun’s heat. An upright xylophone entices every adult and child who walks by to chime a peaceful tune.

Client: Region of Waterloo
Collaboration: Life Change Adventures, Region of Waterloo, Ninth Street Photography
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Completion Date: 2014

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Contributor: Earthscape

Our journey began in 1998 when our founder, Adam Bienenstock, had a vision to create natural playgrounds that would connect children with nature. Since then, we've grown into a leading designer and builder of natural playgrounds in Canada and the United States. Our team is passionate about creating innovative, safe, and sustainable play spaces that inspire children to explore, learn, and have fun. What sets us apart is our approach to playground design. We don't just install off-the-shelf structures. Instead, we work closely with our clients to create custom playgrounds that reflect the unique beauty of their surroundings. We use natural materials like wood, stone, and water to craft play spaces that are not only fun but also educational and environmentally friendly. At Earthscape, we believe that play is crucial for child development, and nature is the best teacher. Our playgrounds encourage children to be active, imaginative, and social while fostering environmental awareness. We're proud to have created playgrounds that have become beloved community hubs and destinations for families to enjoy. Sustainability is also at the core of our philosophy. We use eco-friendly materials and practices, and our playgrounds are built to last for generations. We're constantly innovating to reduce…