Final Playground Design

Ongoing conversations with members of the public help the city ensure resident concerns and dreams for the playground are directly reflected in the alternatives developed. Most recently members of the public provided input on the final draft of the playground design. The final design reflects the following modifications suggested by the public:

• Oddle Swing was removed in favor of adding more traditional belt swings, tot swing seat and a Friendship Swing.
• Benches scattered throughout the playground site were added.
• OmniSpin Spinner replaced a Curva Spinner to ensure a more accessible opportunity for a larger number of children.

At the request of the public, a fence was added around the playground for safety. The plans evolved from no fence, to partially fenced with a vegetative barrier, to fully fenced in the final design. Community members had mixed reactions about the 2 openings in the fence. Some members of the community, especially those with mobility limitations and parents with strollers, preferred 2 openings, siting ease of access to get to other areas of the park and feeling too closed in with just one opening. Other community members worry about safety and keeping children in sight with two openings and prefer one opening. The design team is working on a one opening plan for the fencing.

Review the 14 views of the final playground design under documents and rendering on the right side of this page.

Partnerships are key...

Tod Pod is a Bloomington based not-for profit focused on peer support for families of young children. They offer playgroup activities for families with children from birth though five years of age in Bloomington and Richfield. Tod Pod has 503 unique families, 75% who live in Bloomington/Richfield.

Tod Pod founder, Tara Owens, worked closely with city staff to ensure updates were available to members of the organization. The input of Tod Pod families directly influenced the types and numbers of equipment available at the park. This group also advocated for the addition of a fence to provide separation and safety between the playground and the pond.

Physical therapists from the school districts early childhood family education were also engaged during this process and felt their input for inclusive design was heard.

Here's what residents are saying...

• "Appreciate all the public feedback being considered in design. Would like to see seating options in the fenced area for child breaks, caregivers, mobility needs and those with babies." [Staff note: benches have been added around the playground site.]
• "Needs 1-2 more tot swings! YAY FOR INCLUSIVITY" [Staff note: design has been modified to add more swings.]
• "Heck yes!! Looks amazing! Lots of variety, options for whole body play, love the ground/floor stuff, yay!!
• Yes, my child will be able to play freely at this playground"
• Yes!! This park will engage my children for hours!"