Designing for Play in Island Park

Abstract

‘Planning for Play in Island Park’ is a design thesis based meant to identify a realistic and multifaceted response to the removal of Ash Trees (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) from Fargo North Dakota’s downtown Island Park. Within evaluating the site a clear need for playground redevelopment and expansion was identified due to it’s context within the community. Development and design of the project is rooted in providing opportunity for play to occur. Types of play are referenced from developmental psychology research and organized within the site with consideration of age. Designing for Play exists on multiple layers within the project. Directly designing for play for ages 2-5 and ages 6-12 and indirectly presenting areas for play within a proposed sculpture garden that serves as event space for the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre that currently exists within the site.