Landscape Architect Articles

O'Day Park11-21-24 | Department

O'Day Park

Combining Nature and Play
by Lauren Helmer, SWT Design

O'Day Park stands as the City of O'Fallon's newest outdoor destination, showcasing the community's commitment to creating spaces that reflect the area's natural beauty, enhance local ecosystems, and provide diverse recreational opportunities. The main attraction is the adventure playground that engages children of all ages and abilities. SWT Design served as the Landscape Architect and lead firm throughout the project. The hill descending from the top of the bridge features a shade structure by Poligon.

An interactive climbing wall and elevated play experience bridges and engages the site's topography. Limestone-filled gabions, seen to the left, were incorporated into signage and site seating throughout the park.

This net climber is a favorite space within the playground. The bridge provides shaded play and the ability to hangout or climb from below to the top of the bridge

The playground's water play feature follows the topography around the land bridge and cascades over stone steppers of native Missouri Limestone. Water from the feature is captured and recirculated into a below-ground holding tank where it is treated and reused for site irrigation. The children playing at the start of the interactive water feature stand near bubblers that control the flow of water. In the background, children play on a play net and pole structure from Berliner, who also provided the net climbers and swings on site.

A net seat at the top of the play bridge provides users of all ages with a unique view, and offers the ability to interact with users below.

With a total of 57 acres, O'Day Park is home to the area's first adventure playground, brand-new conference center, outdoor amphitheater, and miles of paved and natural paths.

O'Day Park, located in the heart of St. Charles County, Missouri, is a shining example of the balance between suburban development and the preservation of natural landscapes. As suburban sprawl gives way to the open rural countryside, O'Day Park offers a serene escape while providing a host of modern amenities and attractions.

An Immersive Vision
At the core of the park's mission was the client's vision to honor and highlight the natural character of the site while fostering environmental stewardship. The park's design focuses not only on the user experience but also on the preservation and enhancement of the surrounding habitat. This dual-purpose approach is seen throughout the park's layout, from the adventure playground that weaves through the natural landscape to the miles of paved and natural trails that guide visitors on a journey through the site's rolling topography. Whether guests are walking the trails, enjoying a live performance in the outdoor amphitheater, or attending an event in the conference center, the park aims to immerse them in a space that encourages exploration, relaxation, and interaction with nature.

Playground of Dreams
The adventure playground, located in the southwest portion of O'Day Park, is one of the most distinctive features of the entire project and has been highlighted as one of the most unique and experiential playgrounds in the St. Louis region. Designed with discovery and accessibility in mind, the playground features winding, ADA-accessible paths that lead users of all abilities through a variety of play elements. These paths invite visitors to explore the different sections of the playground, each of which is designed to stimulate physical activity, creativity, and imagination.

Combining Nature and Play
One of the standout elements of the playground is the interactive water feature, which flows in harmony with the site's natural topography. The water cascades over stone steppers made of native Missouri limestone, creating both a sensory and visual experience that echoes the park's commitment to natural materials and sustainable design. Beyond its aesthetic and play value, the water feature is also a key part of the park's sustainable infrastructure. The water used in the feature is captured and recirculated into a holding tank, where it is reused for irrigation throughout the park. This closed-loop system helps reduce water waste and reinforces the park's dedication to ecological responsibility.
Process
St. Louis-based landscape architecture firm SWT Design played a central role in the creation of O'Day Park, serving as the prime consultant for both the 2013 Park Master Plan and the subsequent design and implementation phases. As the lead firm, SWT Design guided the design process from initial concept development through construction, coordinating with a multidisciplinary team comprising experts in architecture, civil engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), structural engineering, and water feature design. This collaborative approach with the City of O'Fallon Parks and Recreation staff and design team members ensured the park would be both functional and cohesive, integrating diverse elements into a unified vision. Throughout the project, SWT Design's work was focused on achieving seamless integration of the built environment and the natural landscape.
Regional Impact
The success of O'Day Park has been recognized by several prestigious awards within the landscape architecture community. In 2020, the park received a Merit Award from the St. Louis Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The following year, it was honored with a Merit Award from the Central States ASLA, further solidifying its reputation as a model for innovative and sustainable park design.
O'Day Park is more than just a public space; it is a celebration of the natural environment and a testament to the power of thoughtful design. By prioritizing sustainability, accessibility, and user experience, the park serves as a vital resource for the O'Fallon community and beyond, offering a place where people can connect with both nature and each other in meaningful ways.

As seen in LASN magazine, November 2024.