SALT DESIGN STUDIO was commissioned by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to develop a Park Master Plan and new nature-inspired playspace for McMichael Park. Located in the East Falls neighborhood, McMichael Park is a 5.6-acre public park surrounded by a diverse user group of long-time residents and a burgeoning population of newer families with young children. Through community engagement with resident stakeholders and an iterative, participatory process, SALT designed an inclusive and stimulating environment for multi-generational play and social interaction.

The first project to be implemented from the Master Plan was the “North Play Pod”. Sensitively nestled among mature canopy trees, the new playspace thoughtfully accommodates the program needs of various neighborhood groups. Key design features include: play equipment made from locust wood to seamlessly blend into surrounding park landscape; benches hand-crafted from felled trees within the park; stumps of varying heights to create an edge and provide imaginative play opportunities; engineered wood fiber mulch provides a soft & natural play surface, while promoting infiltration of stormwater; new native understory trees to diversify the park ecosystem; and inclusive, accessible and engaging social and play spaces for all neighbors.

Status: Master Plan Completed 2017; Construction of Nature Playspace Completed March 2021

Photography: Sahar Coston-Hardy