Glenfield Park: Playground Design

Glenfield Park, located in the center of Essex County, is a 20-acre community park used by children, families, walkers and joggers from the surrounding neighborhood. The park has a long-standing history and was designed in 1910 by the well-known landscape architecture firm, the Olmsted Brothers. Today, the park is programmed with activities for the community ranging from ball fields and court sports, to playgrounds and a community center. Continuing its long-time tradition of creating great parks for people, Essex County committed to upgrading the playground and adjacent bathroom facilities to match other improvements made to the park.

Arterial was selected to lead a team responsible for the renovations of the playground and adjacent bathroom facilities. The design of the playground seeks to integrate the rich park history and beautiful existing tree canopy with a vibrant community presence. At the heart of the playground is an “adventure tree house” that is nestled between two giant oak trees. Adjoining this area is a dedicated space where children have the opportunity to have “fun with music” in a space filled with various interactive musical instruments. Younger children have a dedicated area of play that includes various swings, climbing structures and a small picnic area. In true Olmsted fashion, pockets of native plantings weave through these various play areas connecting the landscape to the playground. Other elements include: a rubberized safety surface, a new fence and sidewalks, a renovated patio, synthetic turf, seat walls and native plantings.