• martin's park natural playground robinia log structure equipment nets shade sails pip rubber surfacing boston martin's park natural playground robinia log structure equipment nets shade sails pip rubber surfacing boston martin's park natural playground robinia log structure equipment nets shade sails pip rubber surfacing boston
  • martin's park natural playground log jam climber rubber surfacing martin's park natural playground log jam climber rubber surfacing martin's park natural playground log jam climber rubber surfacing
  • martin's park custom timber climber boston martin's park custom timber climber boston martin's park custom timber climber boston
  • boston massachusetts childrens wharf natural log robinia playground climber boston massachusetts childrens wharf natural log robinia playground climber boston massachusetts childrens wharf natural log robinia playground climber
  • martin's park boston childrens museum natural robinia log climber climbing holds nets accessible play martin's park boston childrens museum natural robinia log climber climbing holds nets accessible play martin's park boston childrens museum natural robinia log climber climbing holds nets accessible play

Martin’s Park at the Smith Family Waterfront

Client: City of Boston
Collaboration: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
Completion Date
: Spring 2019

Martin’s Park at the Smith Family Waterfront honours the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings, Martin Richard. The unique outdoor play space, near the Boston Children’s Museum, offers opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. The design team prioritized natural materials, so the park includes plants, stone and wood to connect children to nature. Similarly to the objectives of the Children’s Museum, the park design invites curiosity and exploration.

Earthscape worked with MVVA to design a timber maze for the playscape that contributes to the maritime theme of the playground. The logs are reminiscent of pier posts commonly found along the waterfront that have been washed ashore by the ocean waves. The tall posts emphasize verticality and the dynamic angles of selected posts offer multiple circuit routes. Inclusivity was a driving force for overall design, so the timber maze design follows suit. A low climbing net is an accessible hang out spot and a V-shaped opening allows a wheelchair to pass through and under the structure. As a result, children of all abilities are able to interact with the play structure.