Survivor Playscape Tour

Visitors can choose from two embankment slides with transfer points and different challenge levels. One is a 10-foot-high tunnel slide located at the top of the mound while the other is a less challenging 5-foot-high straight slide. Both are stainless steel. Unlike plastic slides, stainless steel will not generate static electricity which can be very painful and can ruin the cochlear implants of hearing-impaired visitors. 

The Spinneround Top with Deck is a spinning climber and is very inclusive. It provides 4 challenge levels, allowing children with varied abilities to play together on the same piece. It requires cooperative social play; someone must push it if you want to experience spinning. Spinning is good for children and this piece offers lots of different choices. The rotation movement helps stimulate the vestibular system, necessary for the development of balance, communication, visual tracking, spatial awareness, muscle tone, bilateral coordination, even math skills.

The multi-user Basket Swing offers back support and cooperative play. Swinging provides many child development benefits including vestibular stimulation. 

(Other types of swings are located at the existing playground.)

There are lots of climbing features offering a variety of options to choose the type and challenge. The Climbing Net is accessible at both lower and upper levels. It offers different challenges by its varied slopes plus the slanted lower entrance offers a range of accessible transfer heights. There are lots of opportunities for social interaction along the way up or down. 

Clamber Log Piles offer a climbing and balancing labyrinth where the user has a myriad of choices and challenge levels.  While it appears haphazard and jumbled, the placement of each log is carefully considered to maximize structural stability, safety and climbing complexity. The perceived randomness requires users assess and plan their movements as they navigate their way through, up, down, over, under, around and across.

The In-Up/Down-Out Vertical Tunnel offers yet another climbing variation. The rock climbing holds mounted to the interior require coordination, strength and movement planning. Moving through the openings helps develop the child’s proprioceptive sensory system. The lower entrance is accessible to wheelchair users allowing them to get inside and see the colorful light show inside.

The Zip Line is sure to be one of the most popular activities on the playscape and is a ground level accessible component. Users glide 3 feet above the ground for 100 feet along the taut cable. Even the wait for the ride is a development opportunity for children. As they anticipate their thrilling ride, they improve their social skills by chatting with peers, and they practice empathy and consideration for others by taking turns.

The Stick Fort is a place for gathering, imaginative play and for meeting new friends. The doorway allows wheelchair users to enter. It can also function as a cozy retreat for a visitor who needs a quieter place away from the playscape chaos.

The Water Play Sluice offers sensory play opportunities and is essential for child development. There are three hand pumps, one is mounted over an accessible stone pillar with a basin and hose allowing them to direct the flow as it empties from the basin. Four water gates dam up the water and release it for a whoosh down the sluice.

Accessible musical instruments are positioned at key locations on the playscape and provide more sensory play opportunities. There is a Steel Calypso Drum near the primary entrance, Pagoda Bells off the gravel path near the top of the mound and Congo Drums beside the main walkway.

The Big Tunnel is 3 feet in diameter and 20 feet long. It helps in the development of a child’s proprioceptive system for body awareness. It can be a cozy spot to retreat to if needed or a secret hide out or just a way to get from here to there.

 Boulders and Ledge Rock features add still more climbing variety from lower steps with hand rail to the massive Rock Bridge to the Rock Outcrop.