Conversion of a concrete courtyard into a beautiful natural playground oasis.

Built atop what was at one time a concrete courtyard. The Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre natural playground marked the transformation of the desolate courtyard into a sensory engagement oasis; with sand and water area, wacky posts, slides and organic structures abound; children are able to scale the 3 unique islands while engaging all their senses. The addition of hand-carved wooden furniture pieces provides a gathering area for parents and children alike.

Project Background, Public Input and Goals:
The City of Hamilton and staff at Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre were hopeful to convert their concrete courtyard into a sensory/play area for the multitude of young children who regularly attend the facility with their parents, as well as the surrounding densely-residential community. Through engagement sessions with our client and creative design adjustments to seamlessly integrate log border “islands” and manufacture relief, our team was able to put together a rather ingenious playground layout that provided the full gamut of sensory engagement and development opportunities while also offering an organic aesthetic the facility was sorely lacking, beautifying its campus while functionally hitting a home run as well.