Natural Play Design Concept

Using a limited palette of boulders, grasses, grading, logs, rocks, ropes and trees a team working with The Fargo Project presented a design concept for natural play at World Garden Commons. Nicole Crutchfield, a Senior Planner with the City, and her team are pleased with the design.

THE DESIGN All the ideas and activates integrated into the design were introduced by 5^th graders. Acting as a gateway into the basin, before slope begins the design introduces a large tree encircled by seating/stepping logs, surrounded by the native grasses and flowers which will grow within the basin.  Features include a tunnel, caves, hidden places for shelter, bridges and a huge boulder, stepping stones and logs for climbing which evoke curiosity and exploration into the basin.

Following 5th graders input into design, Artist Dwight Mickelson and a team of landscape architects, community and planners assembled a concept for natural play features at World Garden Commons

A WeDesign student participant and Kene Okigbo, communication intern at Reach Partners, discuss natural play at World Garden Commons Party in the Park

The goals for World Garden Commons and the overarching Fargo Project has always remained the same: create a space where community can learn from and experience nature close to home. As the plans transition into final form, with community feedback and design review, the team is making sure to “let the children lead” in the design.