ALL-ABILITIES PARK UPGRADES - SWEET SHADE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
GENERAL INFORMATION
Project Name: Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park
Building Location: Irvine, California, United States
Project Type: All-Abilities Park Upgrades
DESCRIPTION
With a vibrant and diverse population, The City of Irvine places a strong emphasis on fostering community engagement for individuals of all abilities by creating all-access spaces like the Disability Community Center which serves as a vital recreational resource for residents with disabilities.
GOALS
The City of Irvine envisioned a universally accessible park to complement the Disability Community Center across the street. KYA aimed to upgrade Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park into a modern, all-access park that would be welcoming to people with all types of disabilities. The design emphasized inclusivity and safety in every detail.
PROCESS
OVERVIEW
The project was awarded to the lowest bidder in an eight-month timeframe. As the general contractor on the job, KYA managed all aspects of the construction process from pre-construction planning to the final walkthrough. Collaboration with architects, subcontractors and community stakeholders was vital to ensure the design’s intent translated into an accessible reality.
CONSTRUCTION
PRODUCTS AND SYSTEMS
The renovation began with the demolition of the existing playground, surface and facilities to make way for new infrastructure. Landscaping was designed in a galactic theme using decoratively finished concrete and wheelchair-safe, pour-in-place safety surfacing to mimic the shapes of the solar system. A restroom building was installed near the playground and equipped to serve the needs of all park visitors. All-abilities playground equipment including adaptive swings, bankshot basketball courts and wheelchair-friendly steps were added to create an inclusive play space. KYA also incorporated a sensory garden with pea gravel walkway, scented plants and digital signs to accommodate individuals with visual impairments.
PROJECT RESULTS
The completed park received resounding praise from the client and the community. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and accessibility, the project significantly enhanced the Disability Community Center’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities. The City of Irvine commended the project for its transformative impact, solidifying the park’s status as a vital resource for the community and a benchmark for accessible design..
