Parks staff assists with "Parchitecture" project

The Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation Maintenance team was asked to work with 55 students at Roosevelt School who were interested in planning and designing accessible playgrounds. Their project, titled “Parchitecture”, allowed them to learn about the different meanings of accessible playgrounds, and the process involved in building them.

Jerry Kirk and Todd Odeen presented ADA requirements and how the Variety Star Playground in Noelridge Park was created to two classes of sixth grades on February 27. Following the presentation, the students created their own playground designs and invited the staff back to judge them on creativity, practicality and overall appearance. Each group of students presented their plans addressing ADA standards, ramp and entrance dimensions and other design elements. When they were done, City staff talked to each team one on one about the process that went into their designs.

“I was not only impressed by the quality of the presentations but by the commitment of the students to creating playscapes that allow all children to play together,” stated Jerry Kirk, Recreation Maintenance Manager.