• natural playground forest custom coyote sculpture wobble boards natural playground forest custom coyote sculpture wobble boards natural playground forest custom coyote sculpture wobble boards
  • Edmonton Alberta natural playground coyote sculpture accessible bench banister rails tower Edmonton Alberta natural playground coyote sculpture accessible bench banister rails tower Edmonton Alberta natural playground coyote sculpture accessible bench banister rails tower
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park

Client: City of Edmonton
Collaboration: Wilco Northwest
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Completion Date: Fall 2020

The playground at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park is part of a larger master plan and will be the first natural playground of its kind in Edmonton. This elongated playscape features the iconic howling coyote sculpture alongside a timber tower, multiple log climbers and other kinetic play pieces.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park is along the northern bank of the North Saskatchewan River, near the Edmonton Zoo. It is part of the 18,000 acre River Valley, which is the largest urban park in North America. The River Valley features 160 kilometers of paths and trails. It is home to such wildlife as coyotes, deer, beavers, porcupines, and many species of fish, birds and amphibians.

The desire for a natural play space evolved through public engagement with neighbourhood residents. Neighbours indicated a strong preference for natural materials and non-prescriptive play opportunities.

The one-of-a-kind howling coyote is a unique sculptural play piece to represent prevalent predator in the River Valley. The design of the coyote maximizes play value in a relatively small footprint. Children can explore the inside of the canine as well as crawl and climb up multiple routes on the exterior of the sculpture.

The complete playground is nature-inspired and non-prescriptive.  It includes a timber tower, log jam climber with nets and rope challenge course, wobble boards, a fallen tree and swings.  The timber tower features a ground-level accessible bench and net and Flex Form slings for hanging out. The upper levels lead to a sliding pole, partial net floor, and tube slide. The playground elements are linked along the park’s linear layout with connecting elements like boulders and stumps.