The City of Wildwood, Missouri and Oates Associates recently received a Grand Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Missouri for the Community Park project. The ACEC competition recognizes firms for projects that demonstrate innovation, achievement and value. A Grand Award is given to one project in each entry category.
The Wildwood Community Park, located off of State Route 100, west of State Route 109, is a recreation destination that balances natural features with park elements and provides play opportunities for children of all abilities. The all-inclusive playground encourages interaction between children of all ages and abilities. More than half of the play activities are accessible via wheelchair and all play structures have activities that are accessible to special needs children. From an ADA Snake Walk that leads to a 2.5-story Tower with musical elements, climbing nets and a pergola along the walkway, to a rotating net for climbing with ground level seating, to sensory elements – the playground truly provides play opportunities for all to enjoy.
Another feature of the park is the Grove Pavilion, a large open air wood structure that was designed within the landscape and overlooks the playground and the woods. The pavilion holds large events and provides restroom facilities for all park users. Pendant lighting is suspended over picnic tables, which are adjacent to the barbeque pits.
Dogs can play off-leash in the secure dog park, which is separated into sections based on the size of the dog. As with other areas of the park, the dog park was designed around specimen trees to provide a canopy of shade.
Upcoming phases encompass an additional entrance road into the park via Pond Grover Loop Road, a trail, a pedestrian bridge, and a 12-acre meadow.
