The final design for the Salmon Bay playground renovation and the necessary budget were revealed last night. Last night's Open House gave community members one more chance to ensure that the design expresses the needs and dreams of the entire community.

At a community meeting in February, architects Johnson/Southerland presented three different designs for the playground and for two weeks community members were encouraged to vote on their favorite designs online. The playground is being designed to specifically support the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders while being engaging for all children.

"The final design is really a blend of concept one and three," said Project Manager, Robin Wise Lofstrom.

The community voted on elements they liked in each of the concepts and the architects worked to include them in the final drawing.

"The star planter was popular with everyone so we incorporated that into the final design. The little play pods is a specific ASD feature because it gives them space and allows them to be in their own bubble," Lofstrom said.

Lofstrom said that the rock and ropes feature in the earlier designs have been replaced with parallel bars and the shelter was unpopular with the neighbors due to it being a potential safety concern.

The final playground design features Monkey Bars, a Roller Slide, a jump rope hook, a rain garden, lily pads, rings, a see-saw, kids basketball, wall ball, and a kids basketball stand.

"This playground offers more options than a lot of playgrounds for all kids," Lofstrom said, adding that the different elements were inspired by watching her son play on playgrounds and see what he would and wouldn't play with.

Salmon Bay hopes to open the new playground in fall 2012.
"We have had a lot of support and cooperation from the district, city and neighborhood. They really extended themselves to help this project move along," Lofstrom said. ""I really want to play of the enthusiasm and movement around the project. "

Seeing the budget for the first time on Wednesday, March 23rd, Loftstrom expressed concern. "I'm concerned I won't be able to raise enough money for it and will have to phase it. With phasing I worry that the vision and enthusiasm will get lost."

Currently, the budget is separated in three phases. Phase I comes to a projected total of $251,147.57 and phase II adds another $99,477.84. Districts projects, which include relocating of dumpsters, replacing asphalts, drinking fountains, and drainage, will cost $80,618.28.

Loftstrom said she's hoping for support from ASD advocates to raise the necessary funding.

The final design will be posted on the Salmon Bay playground renovation website later today.