The second phase of the public review process for the upgrades coming to Roxhill Park saw a smaller group come to the meeting Monday, Oct. 17 at the Southwest branch of the Seattle Public Library but they were more involved in the dialog than those talking about the skatespot on Oct. 12.

This meeting was a presentation of the playground equipment choices, representing the smaller part of the project's budget or some $450,000. Project Manager Kelly Davidson explained that the budget for this, and the skatespot ($600,000) both include all the public process and and other elements of making them a reality.

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Landscape Architect Shwu-Jen Hwang led the meeting by reviewing the various playground equipment choices and describing some of the issues regarding lines of sight (an issue that several people attending mentioned), and the location of pathways, and proximity to the parking lot, comfort station and the athletic field on the site.

Five presentation boards from different companies were on display showing a range of playground equipment from wood to plastic and steel, most with familiar climbing structures, slides, and steps, but a few pieces of equipment stood out for those attending. Notably the "Explorer Dome" rope climbing structure which drew favorable comments. But the clear favorite was a design from Landscape Structures of Delano, Minnesota in a Tree Fort (Tree House) theme. This design incorporates a central "Mansion" structure with a slide, a log balance beam, log tunnel crawls, swings, a curved track ride, an 'Adventure Scape' consisting of large man made boulders for climbing, a HealthBeat course of three stations, a 'Playshaper Treehouse' for younger children (aged 2 to 5) and an Omni-Spin Whirl. See below for the designers list of the features.

Most people liked the fact that the Tree House concept retained the tree in the center of the site. A suggested sand area was rejected and the Explorer Dome or a smaller version of a rope climbing structure was favored.

Seattle Parks solicited written comments as well and will also collect those offered online through the project page.

The next and final meeting is Nov. 14 where the results of the skatespot input from the Oct. 12 meeting and the playground equipment meeting results will be presented for public review.

The designer for the Tree Fort (Tree House) theme is John Mullen of Landscape Structures.
"The iconic theme I chose for this proposal is the Tree House. Every play event, every component, all the materials contribute to this nature inspired theme.

Many components and play events are constructed in the most durable material possible; glass-fiber-reinforced-concrete (GFRC) that we cast at our brand new state-of the-art faciiity in Delano, MN
In addition to being extraordinarily durable, the innovative materials incorporated in to Landscape Structures playground equipment make for a tactile play environment that is not found on any other manufacturers' playgrounds.

Here are some of the highlights:
Tree House Mansion
Discovery Tree Climb
Log Pile Climber
Corrugated Steel Roof
8 sided octagonal deck with center access ladder
many more climbers and slides and transfer points
AdventureScape
Steel-core six-Stranded cables
- GFRC rocks
_ Reinforced and the absolute most durable connections (for the climbing cables) that you will ever see
OmniSpin Spinner-
- Finally, an ADA friendly Whirl
Track Ride
- Curved, 18' long ride
PlayShaperTreeHouse (for 2-S year aids)
log steppers
Mushroom Climbers
Wood Plank Wiggle ladder
Tree Stump Transfer Module
Log Tunnel Crawl
- Two of them (no...these are NOT plastic, they weigh 3400 pounds each)
Log balance Beam
• Twig ('Y') shape
- Two levels
Tot Swing
• In 2-5 area
• Separate from other swings
Also included are
- Dina Digs In the sand (brush and discover)
• HealthBeat (multi-generational outdoor fitness equipment)

CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION OF THE DESIGN CHOSEN SO FAR-