An innovative and safe space for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers
The playground at the “heart” of the National Garden was transformed into an innovative and safe play and entertainment area for children of all ages – from infants to teenagers – becoming a model of environmental management for all modern playgrounds. Each of the play instruments was designed and manufactured to fit functionally and aesthetically into the environment of the historic Garden of the capital.
The reconstruction of the 2.5-acre National Park Playground was carried out with the aim of preserving the character of the area and respecting its uniqueness, following the principles of sustainable development and was implemented within the framework of the “Adopt Your City” program of Municipality of Athens, with a donation of the Municipal Non-Profit Society of Cultural and Public Benefit Project AEGEAS, by Athanasios and Marina Martinou.
“The new playground of the National Garden is a dream, it is unique and it is a model and a challenge for all of us, as we plan for the future of children in Athens. We are grateful for the valuable and generous support of Thanasis and Marina Martinou, not only because we have created an innovative and safe play area in the city, but also because we manage to preserve the unique character of the National Garden”, stressed the Mayor of Athens in his statement, Kostas Bakoyannis.
In the natural environment, with natural construction materials
The playground equipment is mainly made of natural wood, in order to harmonize with the intense natural element of the space and contribute to the cultivation of children’s environmental awareness. The impact-absorbing coatings are made of natural, loose materials, while the soil is suitable for absorbing surface water.
The playground has been created according to the standards of sustainable design. The area is surrounded by tall trees, mainly pines, the foliage of which starts at a great height and acts as a natural shelter, while the main characteristics are the earthy feeling of the sloping relief.
The southern side of the playground is an extension of the hill with the “Rock of Amalia”. At this point, a small hill is created from horizontally placed tree trunks, 1.00 m high, which refers to the observatory of the Rock, enriching the action inside the space.
Three play sections make up the playground
The first section is aimed at preschool children. It grows in four pits, on gently sloping ground. Features swing, role play, slide, climb and balance, rock, bounce and sensory play with natural materials such as water and sand.
In the first pit there are two two-seater swings for pre-school and school-age children. In the second pit there is a complex structure with a platform on which are placed perimeter houses of various sizes, a slide, a balance bridge with suspended steps and a ramp for children with disabilities, through which the equipment is also used by children in wheelchairs . In the third pit, features for playing with natural materials, a sand transport construction site and a structure with water transport channels are placed. In the fourth pit is placed a complex bird-shaped structure with a slide and climbing structures. Finally, in the perimeter area there are scattered swinging and bouncing equipment.
The second play unit is developed in the central zone and is aimed at pre-school, school-age children and teenagers. Includes role play, swing, slide, climb, balance, swing and spin functions.
The main pit includes a complex structure in the form of a pyramid that is a world standard, with two levels and two slides of different degrees of difficulty, two swings, a swing tunnel, a swing and spin element and various climbing structures. This construction will be visible from the platform outside the playground. On the hill there is a construction in the form of a castle with climbing and a tunnel slide, while alternatively the descent can be made by a slide suitable for preschool children.
The third play section is developed along the east side in two pits for preschool and school children with spin and swing functions. It includes a swing with a “nest” seat and an unconventional spinning mill.
Indicative of the design of the entire playground is that in all play areas the equipment offers the possibility of rest, while at the same time favoring communication and socialization of children.
Source: Skai
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