Des Peres Park Playground is a new, innovative play area located in Des Peres, Missouri. St. Louis-based landscape architecture firm Planning Design Studio led the design and implementation of this play area with the assistance of various project partners. This new playground was originally proposed as part of the 2016 Des Peres Park Master Plan, which emphasized relocating the park's playground to the location of an underutilized basketball court. Almost a decade later, this playground has set itself apart as it has evolved into a beloved community gathering space.

 
Inclusive On All Fronts
Differentiating from many in the area, this playground contains two separate play towers, built to cater to children ages 2-5 and ages 5-12. The two towers were designed to mirror each other, creating a cohesive look that provides a similar play experience, yet different in scale to emphasize the age requirements of each structure. The project team made sure to incorporate a significant amount of imaginative play elements that promote problem-solving and physical activity for older children.

The playground also features elements tailored to accommodate children with disabilities. Even though this playground was built to fit into the existing topography, it still meets all accessibility requirements and incorporates the topography as a play experience. Multiple climbing features and slides are located along the gradual slope that connects the two separate levels. A wheelchair-accessible We-Go-Round from Landscape Structures Inc. and a high-backed swing offer children with physical disabilities the opportunity to play alongside their peers. With thoughtful attention to color, texture, and sensory experience, the project team included elements that also cater to children with sensory impairments, like a calming sensory garden and a roller slide that delivers the excitement of a traditional slide with improved safety and accessibility.

Uniquely, this playground was not designed with only young people in mind, but adults as well. Des Peres Park boasts many great amenities such as athletic fields, picnic pavilions, a lake, a tennis court complex, walking trails, and an event lawn. The project team determined that the playground should be located closer to some of the most highly used amenities, such as the tennis court complex and athletic fields, so adults can enjoy other areas of the park while remaining in close proximity to their children. Integrating the playground within a central activity hub created a better gathering space and encourages park-goers to interact while allowing everyone to enjoy the space simultaneously.

Furnishing For Community
Additional site furnishings, such as benches and ADA-compliant picnic tables, were added to the area to provide comfortable seating. Ample lighting was installed to enhance visitor safety, and the existing gazebo was thoughtfully integrated into the playground environment via a looped trail that encompasses the site and mimics the curves in the play elements. Beyond the playground's design and features, careful attention was paid to the surrounding landscape to not disrupt the natural environment. The preservation of existing shade trees was included in the overall design to provide natural cooling, while additional plantings were strategically added to enhance the park's aesthetic and sustainability.

A Local Establishment
Since completion in September 2024, feedback from park-goers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the new, inclusive play features. One visitor noted that the playground perfectly balances modern elements with the traditional charm of a mature playground - an achievement that reflects the project team's initial vision. By blending creativity and functionality, this playground has become a cherished destination that will continue to celebrate play and connection for years to come.