Project Description
Stretching for a mile along the Atlantic, this fresh and playful park answered the community’s requests for green rolling hills, children’s play areas, a skate park, sports field, and plenty of shady places to sit and watch the action. The sculpted hills, recalling giant sand dunes, provide space to play, relax or catch a view of the ocean. Hundreds of shrubs and ornamental grasses and over 700 new trees were planted, which will mature to provide welcoming shade. A covered stage designed by WXY Studio faces a sloping lawn with beach blanket seating. The challenging skateboard park was an instant hit. A climbing rock, ping pong tables and rope play areas have succeeded in getting girls as well as boys involved in the action. Within the multi-age playground, a red fire boat complete with refreshing spray canons, spiral tunnels and a sand pit delight local kids, while a restored wetland area attracts birds and butterflies.
Quennell Rothschild & Partners designed much of the furniture, including contemporary shade structures, sun-bleached loungers and playful pebble seats.
The resiliency measures were tested two months after the park opened, when Hurricane Sandy hit. Thanks to the elevated landforms, the abundance of native, salt-tolerant plantings, on-site drainage, and durable materials, the storm did little damage other than dumping sand in the playground – which hundreds of local volunteers helped clean up.