This project focuses on enhancing the outdoor spaces of the Broadacres Community Center by incorporating design elements that promote educational opportunities, encourage physical activity and free play, and accommodate multi-purpose spaces for various community events.
An inventory walk was conducted to capture detailed photographs and measurements of the site. Initial meetings with the community coordinators were organized to gain deeper insights into the community's needs and social dynamics. After taking this initial information into consideration, four concept designs were developed. These designs were then showcased during a community engagement event, the Broadacres' Reading Rainbow afterschool program, to receive feedback from community members and residents.
At these events, the children participated in a coloring activity designed to enhance their engagement and involvement in the project. The children were encouraged to illustrate themselves playing with their friends as well as any elements that they envisioned for their ideal outdoor spaces. A written feedback activity was also conducted for adult participants.
After compiling and analyzing the written feedback and assessing the children's illustrations, as well as engaging with community leaders, it became clear that the final design should prioritize cost-effective, volunteer-oriented elements that can be easily constructed. Additionally, key features for the design that were identified after the community engagement activities included DIY outdoor classrooms, rainwater collection, tree stumps for seating or play, educational signage, and low-maintenance planting.
In response to the community's feedback, additional concepts that incorporated these programming elements were developed and presented for final review by the head community coordinators.
For final project implementation, the client was provided with a comprehensive package that included a finalized site plan, a detailed planting plan along with a planting schedule, and step-by-step construction instructions for various design features, accompanied by a cost estimate. Additional resources, such as information on local grants, funding opportunities, and connections to local resources available for potential donations and discounted project materials, were provided to facilitate project initiation.