Kids Design Their Dream Playground in Chelmsford

Twisty slides, zip lines, squishy flooring and even an ice cream stand were featured in children's playground designs for the new Friendship Park. Part of the Roberts Field Advisory Committee's efforts to gather public input for the design of the new Friendship Park playground, included a "My Dream Playground" worksheet where participants were asked to draw or describe their design ideas for the new playground opening Summer 2018. Worksheets were distributed at the Chelmsford Library and online, with nearly a hundred submissions being received so far.

All of the submissions were presented to the design team consisting of the Chelmsford Department of Public Works, the Roberts Field Advisory Committee and the playground designer O'Brien and Sons (a Landscape Structures representative). Design submissions can be viewed here My Dream Playground Drawing Submissions.

Ms. Demary and Ms. Kennedy's 4th grade South Row Elementary class took on the playground design as a class writing project. After learning more about universal designed playgrounds, the children took to designing and describing their dream playgrounds. Using the project as an opportunity to practice their creative writing and typing skills, the children provided some wonderful ideas and directions for making the new Friendship Park playground the best it can be. Their design submissions can be viewed here
South Row Elementary (Ms. Demary and Ms. Kennedy’s class) Dream Playground Designs.

The Roberts Field Advisory Committee is hosting a Public Input Session on Tuesday, February 27th from 6-8pm at the Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road. The family friendly event will include a presentation of the new playground design and public discussion. The new playground design is expected to be finalized on March 9, 2018. For more information, please email info@robertsfield.org.