Playground design might look straightforward at first glance, but crafting a truly engaging and safe play area is a nuanced job.
Sandra Libby, Massachusetts’ top playground planner, knows this better than anyone.
With over two decades of experience as a certified playground inspector, she has dedicated the last nine years to managing nearly 80 playgrounds across the state for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Libby’s role entails examining landscaping plans, exploring various structure materials, and, crucially, considering what will excite and engage children.
The mission? To ensure every child who visits a playground can find something enjoyable to explore, whether it’s climbing, swinging, or spinning.
In the last decade alone, Libby has overseen renovations of 58 playgrounds, with six completed this year.
Among the new developments is the much-anticipated Gronk Playground, financed by former New England Patriots player Rob Gronkowski, due to open on the scenic Charles River Esplanade in August.
In a recent conversation, Libby discussed her qualifications, the process of selecting playground locations, and the elements that make a playground both fun and safe.
Libby’s qualifications are as unique as her role.
Unlike many professions, there are no specific courses dedicated solely to playground planning.
She combines skills from various fields, including planning, landscape architecture, and engineering, alongside her certification as a playground inspector and a master’s degree in rehabilitation from Springfield College.
Her extensive experience also includes raising her children, providing her with firsthand insight into how playgrounds function from a child’s perspective.
Selecting a suitable location for a playground involves multiple factors.
Primarily, playgrounds must be built on state land.
The DCR is divided into five regions, with a concentration on Boston, necessitating Libby’s careful consideration of the north, south, central, and western areas of the state.
In planning, she maps out potential spots, particularly focusing on areas with high foot traffic or those designated as environmental justice areas.
For instance, a new playground will be installed at the Rynne Bathhouse in Lowell, an ideal location given its adjacent facilities, including bathrooms, parking, and nearby community amenities.
Closer to Boston, the planned MacDonald Park playground will serve four surrounding communities and offers ample parking, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.
When designing a new playground, Libby considers a range of essential components, starting with compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
However, her goal is to go beyond mere compliance.
She incorporates the Universal Access Program, striving for highly accessible play structures.
Additionally, she assesses the dimensions of the area, as equipment such as swings requires significant space to ensure safety.
For example, an 8-foot swing necessitates 16 feet of clear area in front and behind.
Understanding the overall shape and available space helps Libby effectively position equipment without replicating amenities that might already exist in adjacent playgrounds.
Key features that contribute to a playground’s fun factor revolve around inclusivity and variety.
Libby believes that every child should find something tailored to their interests, whether that means climbing, swinging, or engaging in more imaginative play.
Diverse features such as slides, spinners, rocker toys, and designated quiet areas provide engaging options for all children.
Each playground also includes elements that spark creativity—like themed structures—and sufficient shade to enhance comfort during playtime.
Looking ahead to the renovated Gronk Playground, Libby expresses excitement about several standout features.
Among them is a ground-level spinner accessible to all children, along with a custom-designed duck boat and accompanying spring toys, a nod to Boston’s cultural symbolism.
The highlight of the new playground will be a football motif, intended to foster excitement and connection to local sports.
The playground renovation process itself is intricate and time-consuming.
After determining which playgrounds require upgrades, the DCR establishes a priority list for projects.
Using maintenance funds, they attend to numerous sites each year, often fully replacing two to three playgrounds annually.
The timeline for completions typically extends from a year and a half up to two years.
However, some projects can progress unexpectedly quickly; for example, the Shawme-Crowell project in Sandwich was completed in a year due to using a pre-existing blueprint.
In comparison, the renovation at Zina Greenwood in Stoneham was tackled in phases due to specific equipment failures that prompted immediate action.
To ensure quality, Libby mentions that funding often dictates project timelines and potential.
Different circumstances, such as donations from individuals like Gronkowski, create opportunities for continued upgrades and renovation efforts.
Reflecting on the extensive work accomplished, Libby acknowledges that the progression mirrors home ownership—there’s always more to be done.
As Massachusetts continues to focus on enriching play experiences for children, the work of people like Sandra Libby remains crucial in creating safe, enjoyable, and imaginative spaces.
image source from：wbur
