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.