At Pennant Park in the Daybreak master-planned community, the circular space allocated for the playground launched the creative process for the playground. In collaboration with Loci and Big T Recreation, our concept designers used the circular footprint and the idea of small play neighbourhoods to create the Ribbon. The Ribbon uncoils through the space in the new Daybreak Village residential development in South Jordan, Utah.
A nearby existing playground features a taller climbing structure so the Ribbon was designed to complement that play opportunity with horizontal dynamism. From one end to another, the piece’s height, transparency, and play difficulty vary to allow for an array of play opportunities and challenges. The enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces invite quieter creative play, and games of hide-and-seek, and act as secret gathering spaces for groups of children. A complex combination of climbing holds, ropes, nets, and flexible rubber platforms creates a unique parkour course for older children.
In dialogue with the grove of trees hugging the playground, tall posts stained in shades of green generate compelling energy. They create a landscape of wood where children interact together in play. The seeming architectural simplicity of the piece judged on the approach to the playground is quickly dispelled as visitors discover tunnels, a balcony, a tower with flexible platforms, an angled amphitheater, openings, connections, and inviting curves. In fact, Pennant Park playground at Daybreak Village is unlike any play sculpture that Utah children and families have ever seen.
The playground moves up and down, creating play spaces in every part of the sculptural coliseum. Spooling off the playground tower with a Juliet balcony, the play structure offers elevated and ground-level play where children can imagine moving through laser beams, crawling across a suspension bridge or traversing the forest wall. Without a doubt, challenge, fun, and adventure await!