Steve Carli Park

Nature Inspired Play

Santa Clara, California

Project

National Demonstration Site for Active Play

The playground at Steve Carli Park in Santa Clara, California, blends into its natural surroundings thanks to the natural-looking touches, like conifer tree toppers and Timbers plank roofs. It also features themed log climbers and a log balance beam. Designed using the principles found in PlayOn! (SHAPE America, PlayCore) it has been recognized as a National Demonstration Site for Youth Physical Activity with activities that promote all six elements of physical play: swinging, sliding, spinning, balancing, brachiating and climbing.

Goal

Physical Activity for All Ages
  • Create a play area that promotes youth physical activity for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12
  • Utilize natural colors and themed elements to blend with the landscape
  • Preserve the natural shade provided by old-growth trees in the park
  • Include Expression Swing® to add multigenerational play element