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Get Out and Play!

Celebrate Summer with a Look at Trends in Park and Recreation Design

90% of US adults view parks and recreational facilities as an essential local government service, and providing both diversity and accessibility in these spaces is crucial to meeting the needs that drive this demand.   Splash pads to cool off in the heat, inclusive playgrounds that provide recreation opportunities for all, parks, amphitheaters for summer night performances, and open-air gathering spaces for people of all ages and abilities, architects and engineers are finding new ways to shape outdoor environments and liven up the summer months.        

Designing with an eye for emerging trends and parks and recreation mainstays requires a multidisciplinary team of experts. LAN’s team includes architects, landscape architects, civil engineers, land use professionals, surveyors, construction administrators, as well as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and environmental engineers.  We asked our multidisciplinary team of experts what it takes to design these spaces with an eye towards embracing emerging trends. Summer is here, and July marks Park and Recreation Month, so it’s time to go outside and play!

Water Parks, Splash Pads, and Pools

When the weather heats up, there’s nothing better than a splash of cold water to cool you down, and parks are increasingly embracing this demand. For example, a 2018 survey found that from 2017 to 2018, the number of splash pads in the 100 largest cities in America grew by 35% to an estimated 1,797 locations. That number has grown to 2,056 locations in 2025, another 14% increase. Architects and engineers play a crucial role in designing splash pads and other water-infused play spaces, including water parks and pools. These professionals’ skills are not only integral to creating an appealing aesthetic but also to designing the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and drainage systems necessary for water-related attractions to operate effectively

Anthony Lucas Park's Splash Pad in Paterson, NJ

The new splash pad at Anthony Lucas Park in Paterson is part of a long list of improvements that have helped the town rehabilitate this once-dangerous location and reclaim it from gang activity, which had prevented neighborhood children from enjoying the area. The project features over a dozen strategically placed sprinklers for recreational use, along with soft ground material that helps prevent injuries.

Due to the site’s topography and its enclosed nature, special attention was given to the drainage design and site grading to ensure that water from the splash pad does not overflow into the surrounding park. Since no existing utility connections were available within the park, coordination with the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) was also crucial. 

James W. Roe Swimming Pool in the Township of Wayne, NJ

LAN served as a consultant for the James W. Roe swimming pool over several phases of pool upgrades and the eventual transformation of the location into a family aquatic center. Years after performing various upgrades to the old pool, LAN was retained to conduct a study on the 50-year-old concrete pool tank, which led to the decision to create a 15,000-square-foot multi-sectioned family aquatic center.  The local attraction now features a flume ride and a drop water slide, a diving area, a splash area for young children, and more. There are also shaded areas within the water, as well as seating for hundreds of guests on the pool deck.

Amphitheaters

Research shows that 80% of attendees at arts and culture events agreed that the event they attended inspires a sense of pride in the neighborhood or community. At LAN, we aim to embrace this statistic by creating thoughtfully designed outdoor amphitheaters that blend natural aesthetics with functional performance space.

Open-air venues typically feature tiered seating carved into existing topography and are supported by engineered earthworks. Ensuring clear sightlines and optimal acoustics is essential, and architectural elements such as stage canopies or sound-reflective surfaces can help achieve these goals. Landscape architects and civil engineers also play a crucial role in integrating native vegetation, natural pathways, and sustainable drainage systems to maintain ecological balance and achieve visual cohesion.     

New Park Amenities at Riverside County Park South, North Arlington, NJ

At Riverside County Park South, LAN designed new amenities and an amphitheater as part of a much larger project that encompasses the majority of the 85-acre park along the Passaic River. The enhanced features throughout the park focus on additional recreational points for all ages, expansion of walkways and trails, and a richer connection with the nearby waterway.

In order to help meet the goal of the project, LAN turned an empty space into a focal destination point that serves as a venue for community events. As part of phase one of a master plan redevelopment project, the new park amenities and amphitheater bring people together on warm summer days to enjoy shows in a nature-infused venue that seamlessly combines architectural design and landscape architecture.

The award-winning project greets visitors with a comfort station designed to serve as a meeting point with welcome signage and nearby seating and restrooms. A curvilinear stone spine connects the comfort station to the amphitheater directly behind it, which has the Passaic River as a backdrop. Seating is nestled into a hill and includes various benches and platforms, which are seamlessly integrated with greenery.

Play for All - Inclusive Playgrounds

According to a recent study, 57% of parents believe that playgrounds are required to have elements designed for children with special needs; however, this is not the case. The Americans with Disabilities Act only requires wheelchair access to the area. This is not enough to ensure a playground is inclusive. 

Architects and engineers should strive to exceed the minimum requirements to meet ADA accessibility standards and design play experiences that cater to a diverse range of needs and interests. Inclusive playgrounds are essential, and architects and engineers can advance this goal by creating universal designs and sensory-rich environments. 

Elements of Inclusive Playground Design

  • Playscape design that helps all children develop physically and emotionally, as well as hone their social skills
  • Swings with secure seats and other adaptive equipment that can accommodate various needs
  • Ground level play that removes barriers to participation for children with mobility issues
  • Engaging playgrounds that provide the right amount of challenge to encourage all children while offering them opportunities to succeed

Inclusive playgrounds also need to be constructed to ensure a safe environment. Numerous elements need to be thoughtfully planned and installed, from soft ground surfacing that can minimize injuries and allow rainfall to percolate into the ground to other safety measures, such as fencing, signage, and security lighting. LAN Associates has a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) on staff who is trained in playground safety and specializes in the relevant equipment, surfacing, and risk management.

Peppa Pig Playscape at LEGOLAND New York Resort, Goshen, NY

Merging two high-profile intellectual properties into one imaginative recreation space, LAN Associates aided LEGOLAND New York Resort in designing a new Peppa Pig Playscape. Geared toward younger park guests, the attraction offers immersive experiences. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a new portal, welcoming them to the Peppa Pig celebration with a direct connection to the new play area. Intertwined with the “muddy puddles” theme in the show, the new inclusive playground allows guests to bounce, slide, and swing in a landscape designed for all abilities.

The design itself had to navigate a once-sloped terrain to provide a fully accessible approach and experience. It was then designed with new themed fences to focus on the guests’ experience, and a variety of hardscapes and softscapes were utilized to designate the different zones while remaining inclusive. 

Expanded Athletic Fields and
Sports Complexes

To build a stable, accessible, and safe athletic complex, you will need a team of architects and engineers.  Civil engineers are responsible for assessing soil conditions, designing drainage systems, and ensuring proper grading to prevent flooding.  Architects shape the experience by creating places for spectators to sit and view the game, as well as concession stands, field houses, restrooms, and other amenities. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers are also needed to design various systems, such as irrigation and lighting for night games.

Most importantly, your team should be taking a holistic approach to ensure your athletic facility is designed to minimize maintenance requirements and maximize available playtime. This means designing a field that can withstand the weather and the demands of continuous play. For turf fields, this means having a team with expertise in selecting the right materials, and for grass fields, it involves hiring a professional to design an irrigation system.

Goshen Colosseum Athletic Facility, Goshen, NY

LAN designed a new state-of-the-art athletic facility in Goshen, NY. The project included a 1,500-seat grandstand that straddles a new 6,500-square-foot masonry field house. The field house includes team locker rooms, public restrooms, a training room, and a concession stand. Mounted on top of the grandstand is a 450-square-foot press box, enabling broadcast crews and photographers to have a perfect sightline of all the action.

The main multi-use artificial turf athletic field is synthetic, allowing extended playtimes. It is surrounded by an eight-lane track with lights for night games. This enables the site to host track and field events, soccer, lacrosse, football, and field hockey games day or night. Located behind the main athletic facility is an additional field that is outfitted with the same high-quality artificial turf in order to enable more practice and play spaces. The projects also included site improvements for a large new parking lot that helps serve the crowds for heavily attended events.     

Gloucester City Athletic Complex Upgrades, Gloucester City, NJ

LAN was retained to plan and execute significant renovations to the athletic facilities in Gloucester City, NJ. Currently under design, the project will transform the school’s athletic offerings and revitalize unusable fields. The project fell under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey School Development Authority (NJSDA) and required multiple specialized services.

The project started with LAN’s team doing site due diligence. LAN’s Land Use Department was tasked with mapping the site’s wetland and flood zones, while LAN’s Environmental Department conducted soil analysis through test pits to identify previously contaminated historic fill. This data was used by LAN’s civil engineering and architectural teams to craft multiple concepts for a master plan tailored to the District’s requirements and site constraints. Each design option incorporated various athletic fields and supporting amenities, along with a phased construction plan to minimize disruptions to the school’s day-to-day operations.

 

What Type of Expertise Is Needed to Design Parks and Recreation Projects?

What Type of Expertise Is Needed to Design Parks and Recreation Projects?

The Role of Architects
and Landscape Architects

Creating a park or recreational space requires architects to carefully integrate seating areas, pavilions, walking paths, performance spaces, and other constructed elements. They are experts in selecting the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable materials needed to help enhance a park’s appeal while ensuring longevity and resilience against the wear and tear brought on by time and weather. Landscape Architects work alongside traditional architects to focus on site analysis and designs that ensure that any proposed plantings and hardscape will complement the architectural and engineering designs, as well as the surrounding environment.

The Role of Civil Engineers
and Land Use Professionals

Civil engineers and land use professionals collaborate with architects to ensure that park and recreational area designs incorporate green infrastructure, such as permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and bioswales, which help manage stormwater and reduce flooding, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. These professionals also ensure that our natural resources are protected by minimizing the impact posed by new construction on ecological systems. This often involves collaborating with numerous federal, state, and local agencies to comply with stringent permitting requirements.

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How LAN Can Help Realize Your Outdoor Environment

When LAN designs a park and recreational area, the keyword that drives our design is community. While many elements are universal, the design of an outdoor gathering space should be driven by a community’s specific needs and the project’s unique goals.

  • LAN has an extensive portfolio of park and recreation projects that accommodate varied scopes, purposes, and demographics, or are tailored to varying population densities.
  • LAN works closely with community members and municipal representatives to envision outdoor spaces that are well-suited to the current needs of the community and are designed to meet budgetary expectations.

Our team of architects, landscape architects, civil engineers, land use professionals, surveyors, construction administrators, as well as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and environmental engineers, possesses the expertise and vision to help you bring your parks and recreation project to life.

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