San Francisco's Dogpatch Neighborhood was devoid of any outdoor play spaces. Groundworks Office was commissioned to develop plans for a new tot-lot in Woods Yard Park. Rolling up our sleeves, we worked with an enterprising and dedicated group of parents and neighbors to envision a playspace as dynamic as the neighborhood.
Our design references the intense patterning of the Checkerspot Butterfly in the high contrast motif of the playground surface. Reclaimed redwood benches were added to provide a welcome perch for parents. A new planting regime interrupts the lawn that dominates the park with a small patch of drought tolerant, native butterfly host plants.
The project's relationship between client, designer and landowner was a one-of-a kind partnership between the San Francisco Parks Alliance, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Friends of Woods Yard Park. Through the outstanding efforts of the community and neighbors, the park was locally funded and built on budget.