10-1: All Abilities Playground Presentation — original pdf

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All Abilities Playground All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park Parks Board Presentation - April 27, 2026 Charles Mabry - Project Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation Charles Mabry - Project Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation Katie Robillard - Chief Design & Implementation Officer, Austin Parks Foundation Katie Robillard - Chief Design & Implementation Officer, Austin Parks Foundation 1 PARKS ARE OUR PURPOSE How we make parks healthier, safer, and more accessible for every Austinite: ACTIVATING ACTIVATING ENGAGING ENGAGING INVESTING INVESTING 2 WHY ONION CREEK METRO? Play for All Round Rock, TX All Abilities Austin, TX Southeast Metro Park Del Valle, TX 3 LakeTravisLakeAustinBalconesCanyonlandsNationalWildlifeRefuge1TravisCountyDrippingSpringsLakewayCedarParkAustinBuda35130ElginHuttoManorPflugervilleRoundRockBastropUntitled mapSources: Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, Microsoft, EsriCommunity Maps contributors, Map layer by Esri4/8/202605102.5mi08.5174.25km1:360,759WHY ONION CREEK METRO? site location site location SiteSite Nuckols Crossing Rd Nuckols Crossing Rd d d g R g R uckols Crossin uckols Crossin N N Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 11 4 WHY ONION CREEK METRO? 20152015 Onion Creek Metropolitan Park Onion Creek Metropolitan Park Vision Plan Vision Plan 5 FAMILY PLAYGROUND 6 PLAY FIELDS 7 NATURE BASED PLAY 8 EVENT CENTER 9 NATURE EDUCATION 10 WORKOUT STATIONS 11 GROUP PAVILION © Onion Creek Metro Park Vision Plan © Onion Creek Metro Park Vision Plan Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 13 5 WHAT IS AN ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND? space space comfortable comfortable for all for all engage engage different skills different skills different different challenge levels challenge levels Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 29 Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 28 Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 27 space for space for support and support and companions companions different abilities different abilities play in the play in the same space same space Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 25 Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 26 6 GOING BEYOND ADA inclusion inclusion inclusion inclusion exclusion exclusion segregation segregation integration integration Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 24 7 OUR TEAM landscape architect landscape architect community engagement community engagement architect architect sustainability sustainability civil engineer civil engineer contractor contractor 8 CASE STUDIES all ability playgrounds in the U.S.A: Play for All, Texas bus parking parking parking bathroom bathroom program and circulation play bathroom play play play play bathroom play play play all ability playgrounds in the U.S.A: Play for All, Texas all abilities playground Austin, Texas 02.28.2024 TBG – [512] 327 1011 – tbgpartners.com 3232 e cesar chavez st, bldg 1, suite 100, austin, tx 78702 The information shown is subject to change without notice. 60 NTS race track P 1.5 acres playscape village picnic rock band retreat 3.3 acres swing adventure Alliance Children’s Garden Round Rock Play for All play features • completed in phases • organized by subspaces or ‘pods’ that are focused on developing specific skills • LSI provided sensory equipment • village pod for imagination and blind • less shaded areas are less popular except the services and facilities • 65 original parking spaces including 7 ADA spaces which was not enough. 161 additional spaces including 2 ADA that can fill up during events • 2 original bus spots, added 4 bus parking race track • popular items are swings, village, race track, zipline, adventure hill (slides) • maintenance requirements prevented water play in the playground • importance to include areas for caregivers and parents, with seating, shade and comfort in mind • closed 1 month/year for maintenance • 2 full time employees assigned to playground spots • 1 original restroom @ 350sf, 1 added later @ 200sf, both prefab facilities. all family stalls • shade canopies over some play equipment and 2 rentable picnic pavilions @ ~1,000 sf each • 4 total entrances, perimeter fence and gates, subspaces fence and gates 9 all abilities playground Austin, Texas 02.28.2024 TBG – [512] 327 1011 – tbgpartners.com 3232 e cesar chavez st, bldg 1, suite 100, austin, tx 78702 The information shown is subject to change without notice. 59 NTS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY VISION & IDENTITY SUSTAINABILITY • Respond directly to the community’s desires and needs • Design based on community engagement outcomes • Create trail connections • Provide an inclusive play area with an accessible and inclusive restroom facility and picnic pavilions • Provide drive connections and parking • Integrate characteristics defined in the adopted vision plan • Reflect the natural landscape of Onion Creek • Achieve Sustainable SITES Certification • Align with City of Austin plans and initiatives 10 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 12 EMAIL CAMPAIGNS To promote project awareness, meetings, and questionnaires 8,126 INFORMATIONAL POSTCARDS Delivered to adjacent neighborhoods 410 STAKEHOLDER CONTACTS Including practitioners and service providers 6 TABLING EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS At a variety of relevant events around Austin, TX NOVEMBER 2023 DECEMBER 2023 JANUARY 2024 FEBRUARY 2024 MARCH 2024 APRIL 2024 MAY 2024 JUNE 2024 JULY 2024 AUGUST 2024 SEPTEMBER 2024 OUTREACH value value 79% 66% 61% 47% have fun have fun access nature access nature exercise exercise children of all children of all abilities to play abilities to play together together “release energy” “walk or enjoy natural surroundings” what is essential for an All Abilities playground? “develop skills” Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 16 accessible restroom wheelchair access multi-age play shade fences accessible parking nature play seating and picnic ENGAGEMENT Austin Parks Foundation | City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department - All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park | p 36 12 3 2 FOCUS GROUP CONVERSATIONS COMMUNITY MEETINGS DESIGN QUESTIONNAIRES 41 PARTICIPANTS 147 ATTENDEES 417 RESPONSES focus group feedback - experience quiet spaces for users with sensitivity needs |9 imaginary play |9 sensory play |8 water play, can be small |7 physical and mental challenges |7 play elements for people of all ages and sizes |7 food forest/ sensory garden |5 social space/ play |5 physical and occupational therapy equipment: trampolines, hula hoop, balls, swings, heavy things |4 all abilities awareness |2 sports play |2 spinning/twirling play |2 scavenger hunt wall |1 wheel play |1 little cooking station |1 soft objects |1 definite route |1 rocking chair |1 cave |1 motorized wheelchair accommodation |1 multi-sensing play |1 all abilities playground Austin, Texas 02.28.2024 TBG – [512] 327 1011 – tbgpartners.com 3232 e cesar chavez st, bldg 1, suite 100, austin, tx 78702 The information shown is subject to change without notice. 11 96 principle related comments play related comments infrastructure related comments SCHEMATIC DESIGNCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS PLAY EXPERIENCES • Incorporate a variety of space sizes and levels of enclosure for varied visitor preferences • Maintain active play along edges of the playground • Play areas should be visually open and separated VEHICULAR CIRCULATION • Extend existing parking road north • Park entrance at Nuckols Crossing • 2 parking areas close to the entrances of the play area • Integrate green stormwater infrastructure to reduce with landscape and/or fencing flooding • Wheel play area should be separated for safety • Incorporate exercise opportunities for health and • Include drop-offs close to playground entrances • Designated bus parking areas will be important for physical therapy school and special groups PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION • New connections to parks and trails • New paved loop around playground • Include simple, wide paths around each entrance and through the playground with easy access to each play area • Fully-fence the playground for safety REMOVING OBSTACLES & ADDING ESSENTIALS • Plant shade trees in parking area and playground • Include shade sails over play and rest areas • Provide an accessible public restroom • Fully-fence the playground • Provide accessible play equipment • Make more accessible trail and sidewalk connections 12 ALIGNMENT WITH CITYWIDE PLANS Consider a destination Consider a destination all-abilities playscape... all-abilities playscape... Inclusive play should be available to Inclusive play should be available to all residents in Austin. Development all residents in Austin. Development of new playscapes should focus of new playscapes should focus on design that is inclusive for all. on design that is inclusive for all. Consider a citywide playscape Consider a citywide playscape destination (e.g., Play for All Park, destination (e.g., Play for All Park, Round Rock). Round Rock). Include nature-based elements Include nature-based elements that can directly benefit children that can directly benefit children with sensory integration disorder, with sensory integration disorder, cognitive impairments, or other cognitive impairments, or other adaptive needs. adaptive needs. AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION LONG RANGE PLAN Connectivity • Expand access to Onion Creek and the greenbelt • Add connections to existing mobility networks and trails • Increase access to water through interactive water features Sustainability & Resilience • Focus on reducing impervious cover with permeable materials • Use only native and adapted plantings • Increase shade and tree canopy • Integrate green stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding • Incorporate dark-sky-compliant lighting • Incorporate nature-based play features Inclusivity • Support users of all ages and abilities • Exceed ADA and Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) • Provides gender-neutral, accessible restrooms • Includes culturally appropriate, accessible wayfinding Community Programming & Partnership • Reflect input from community partners and long-time residents • Incorporate public art • Support expanded nature-based programming with partners • Provide a space for inclusive programming for children of all abilities • Establish opportunities for donor recognition and partnerships 13 ALIGNMENT WITH CITYWIDE PLANS WATER FORWARD PLAN • Integrate water features that balance water conservation and user comfort • Manage stormwater on-site to improve water quality • Reduce irrigation demand with native and adapted plantings • Use reclaimed water (“purple pipe”) for irrigation • Promote creek access and ecosystem education AUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN • Conduct carbon accounting during design development • Design a carbon-neutral restroom building • Incorporate electric vehicle charging infrastructure • Improve sidewalks, trails, and crossings for safer access • Increase tree canopy for shade and heat mitigation • Expand equitable access to the park • Align programs with community interests RESILIENT AUSTIN PLAYBOOK • Expand access to drinking water • Improve access to creeks, trails, and water bodies for cooling • Increase shade throughout play and gathering areas • Incorporate cooling water features (e.g., misters, sensory elements) • Enhance tree planting for heat reduction 14 ADDITIONAL RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY GOALS • Base design solutions on projected climate conditions • Design and construct the site to withstand anticipated natural disasters and extreme weather events • Create year-round comfort with passive design strategies • Select durable, weather-resistant materials with minimal ecological impact • Prioritize low-maintenance designs • Serve as a demonstration site for the neighborhood, showcasing sustainable landscape design and educating on native ecology • Create an accessible and inclusive space for people of all abilities to experience the benefits of nature • ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE SITES CERTIFICATION SITES is a comprehensive rating system for developing and managing sustainable landscapes and other outdoor spaces. In 2021, Austin became the first city in the world to require SITES certification for all new park development projects over $2 million. 15 EXISTING CONDITIONS 16 PROPOSED CONCEPT 17 PROPOSED CONCEPT All Abilities: 2.7 acres of play area 109 total parking spaces added - including 20 ADA spaces - 3 bus spaces 4 water closets 2 family restrooms Round Rock Play for All: 3.3 acres of play area 226 total parking spaces - including 9 ADA spaces - 6 bus spaces 6 restroom stalls Our Mission: This proposed All Abilities Playground will offer universal accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors, especially for children with disabilities and special needs. It will showcase innovative design features and diverse programming opportunities, ensuring an engaging and welcoming environment for all. Our mission is to create a welcoming, accessible and inclusive All Abilities Playground where everyone can enjoy the magic of play! Water Quality Feature CWQZ Trailhead Water Quality Feature Beaver Zone Jackrabbit Zone Parking South Entrance Parking Drop-off West Entrance Adaptive Exploration Outpost Bus Drop-off Restroom Green Anole Zone Outdoor Classroom Armadillo Track Bumblebee Zone Open Field Central Plaza Ringtail Zone Hummingbird Zone Open Field Existing Trail e n i L e e r T g n i t s i x E Trailhead 18 THEME This playground will be larger than life Jackrabbit Low-LevelC hallenge This spaceis perfect for smaller visitors or thoseseeking ag entler adventure, explorei n a safe environment. Beaver LooseP arts and Social Play Get inspired byt he beaver’s lodge-building skillsand becreative with natural, movable buildingpartst hat spark imagination, problem-solving, and social interactions throughh ands-on play. Creek Plaza ShadedCentralG atheringSpace Theh eart of theplayground, this plaza is a restful hubw ith plenty of seatinga nd shade—ideal for relaxing, recharging, or decidingwhiche xciting area to explorenext. GreenA nole Therapeutic andS ensory Area Ap eaceful walk through thewoods leadsto sensory-focusede quipmentand quiet nooks, alla ges. Bumblebee Low andM id-LevelChallenge Climb, explore, and slidei n thish iveo f spacec ombinesa dventurewith a range of play opportunitiesf or all. Armadillo Wheel PlayTrack Navigate a fun and accessiblet rack featuringd iverseterrains and armadillo tunnels, wherevisitors of all abilities challengel evels. Ringtail Midt oH ighC hallengeLevel Just liket he nimbleringtail, visitors cant estt heir agilitya nd balancei nt hisa reaf eaturingobstacle courses, climbingc hallenges, and jumping adventures thate ncouragebold exploration. Hummingbird Opportunitiesf or All to Fly Soar to newh eights! An elevated walkway, bird-watchingt ower,z ipline,a nd accessibleswingscreate thep erfect place for everyone to enjoy thet hrill of ight. Every play zone is inspired by a native animal and its amazing abilities 19 PROJECT SUPPORT Federal Appropriations Federal Appropriations Community Projects Funding Community Projects Funding Andrew Delaney Foundation Andrew Delaney Foundation Garrison Family Foundation Garrison Family Foundation Individual Donors Individual Donors 20 Overall Timeline / Progress OVERALL TIMELINE Secure Funding & Continue to Keep Community Updated on Project Status City of Austin Permit Review Process 2023 2026 2027 2028 Design Team Selection Complete Design Development Construction Phase Construction Phase 2024 Submit Site Development Permit to City of Austin (~14 month timeline for review and approval with City of Austin Public Projects Process) Site Development Permit Approved Construction Phase Begins Community Engagement Process Begin Preparing Construction Documents 2029 Construction Phase Complete Park Opens to the Public! Pre-Construction Pricing Play Structure Design Process City of Austin Permit Continues in Formal Review Process Schematic Design Phase Preliminary Pricing 2025 Design Development Design Development Pricing Construction Documentation Bidding 21 Thank You! Thank You! Project Contacts: Charles.Mabry@austintexas.gov Charles Mabry - Charles.Mabry@austintexas.gov Charles Mabry - Project Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation Project Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation Katie.Robillard@austinparks.org Katie Robillard - Katie.Robillard@austinparks.org Katie Robillard - Chief Design & Implementation Officer, Austin Parks Foundation Chief Design & Implementation Officer, Austin Parks Foundation For more information, visit: https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/projects/ https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/projects/ onion-creek-all-abilities-playground-project onion-creek-all-abilities-playground-project 22