Twin 41-foot tall towers, inspired by the striking colours of the Blue Grosbeak, are the epic playground centerpiece at Glass City MetroPark in Toledo, Ohio.
A 50-foot-long bridge constructed with intermittent net floors and “troll play” underneath provides an accessible route to the towering feature. Within the structures, there is no right or wrong way to move up, down, or through. Designed in a way that liberally gives permission for free play, kids can scramble up the outside of the spiral slide, weave up and through ropes and nets, across heavy rope bridges, up and down the sides of walls and ladders, hang out on trapeze loops and hammocks, and more. The intent is that whenever someone navigates the space they can make unique choices and explore freely.
The two towers have different interior play experiences; they are not mirror images of each other. One tower is more challenging than the other with ropes, nets, and flexform that requires thoughtful navigation. In peak spring and summer months, the tower cladding creates a shaded interior play space while the wire mesh on the opposing sides allows a cool breeze to blow through the towers, off the water.
On the banks of the Maumee River, the largest river of the Great Lakes, Glass City MetroPark is undergoing a massive redevelopment to create a gateway to Toledo. The second phase of the redevelopment includes these ambitious playground towers designed in collaboration with SmithGroup.