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26 Jan

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Impressions from Brooklyn

January 26, 2015 | By |

Brooklyn Bridge Park has drastically increased New Yorkers’ opportunity to interact with nature by providing access to the water and places to play. Both Ida Ottesen and Roxanne Glick in our office travelled independently to New York this holiday season. Comparing impressions back in Seattle, we couldn’t help but notice how much everyone, including ourselves, loves this new park by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. What makes it successful? Here are a few of our observations:

Multicolored play surfacing and a natural stone stair engage kids on different levels.

Multicolored play surfacing and a natural stone stair engage kids on different levels.

On a secluded trail, a collection of woody materials creates a multisensory experience.

On a secluded trail, a collection of woody materials creates a multi-sensory experience.

A rough stone path makes the walk more fun and gracefully transitions the lawn to the shoreline.

A rough stone path makes the walk more fun and gracefully transitions the lawn to the shoreline.

There is never a dull moment in the park thanks to varied and intricate surfaces. We especially appreciated the sandy beach, rough cut timber paths, stepping stones, and play area surfacing.

Giant blocks of granite could be used to take a rest or climb to the top.

Giant blocks of granite could be used to take a rest or climb to the top.

A combination of natural areas and geometric play structures make for endless play possibilities.

A combination of natural areas and geometric play structures make for endless play possibilities.

At 1.3 miles long, there is plenty of space to ride a bike.

At 1.3 miles long, there is plenty of space to ride a bike.

Whether in a designated play area or strolling along the waterfront, the places to play in Brooklyn Bridge Park were actually fun!

From attention to detail to imaginative programming, we came away from Brooklyn full of inspiration for our next projects.