The Playgrounds Issue of Landscape Architect & Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .
Blanchard Park, one of the oldest parks in Columbia County, Georgia, finally received the long-awaited renovation it deserved. As part of a multimillion-dollar park update, the first phase was dedicated to the construction of a destination playground and trail system. Columbia County contracted ID Sculpture, a GFRC manufacturer and design firm based in Colorado, to design and build a one-of-a-kind nature-based playground to reflect the natural beauty and diversity of the area.

 

The playground's immersive experience takes visitors on a journey through the region's distinctive landscapes and ecosystems, creating opportunities for education and adventure throughout the park. There are three main play areas connected by a trail system, each one offering a different play type and experience for every age. This intergenerational approach to play sets ID Sculpture apart and is highlighted in the Horseshoe Canyon climbing boulder, a larger-than-life sculpted granite boulder for all abilities where you'll see parents climbing alongside their kids as they find new ways to the top. The Treehouse play area is a landscape of trees, rocks, slides, and ropes where kids are invited to traverse the tangle of roots and branches with their friends. Lastly, the Woodland play area incorporates nature play in a more serene setting where families can find sculpted animals that are often seen in the area including the barred owl, eastern box turtle, and marbled salamander.

The trail caters to walkers, joggers, and cyclists, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy the beauty of Blanchard Park at their own pace. Blanchard Park's transformative playground and trail provide much more than just a physical space for recreation -- they serve as a testament to the power of visionary thinking and the boundless opportunities that arise when nature, creativity, and play come together.

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