Landscape Architect Articles

LASN September 2011 Playground: Medieval Dragon Right Here In Bowie, Md.09-01-11 | News

Medieval Dragon
Right Here In Bowie, Md.

Lynn Skillman Gulley, RLA
Park Planning & Development Division; Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Prince George County Dept. of Parks and Recreation; Riverdale, Maryland

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The first inspiration for the playground design was a drawing of a dragon by the landscape architect, Lynn Skillman Gulley.

The design for the playground started with two inspirations: a drawing of a dragon by the landscape architect, and the red ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Working with the playground equipment manufacturer through their local representative, Sparks at Play, a playground design was conceived that expanded on these inspirations. By adding a few customized items and integrating Evos and Playbooster structures, the designer and manufacturer were able to bring the medieval theme to life.

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Landscaping includes native plants that tie into the adjacent forest and keep maintenance low. Care was taken to avoid impacting the existing woods. The fall color of the leaves and red winter twig color of the shrubs will create a vibrant backdrop to the playground.

This imagination play space allows kids to have fun on a variety of features with different skill levels. The site design enables the children to link the features within the playground, whether pretending to aid the dragon in hatching its nest of eggs, or protecting the castle from the dragon.

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A net climber and a belt climber were modified to resemble wings spreading wide on each side of the dragon.

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Project Team
Playground Owner: Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)
Nancy Pfeffer, South Bowie Community Center Director

M-NCPPC Team
Lynn Skillman Gulley, RLA, landscape architect/project manager
Brenda Iraola, RLA, landscape architecture supervisor
Photo credits: Cassi Hayden, Lynn Skillman Gulley, and Brenda Iraola