Park Concept
Sterling Greenery Community Park will offer children and adults the following:
- Playground featuring state-of-the-art equipment including: a net structure, rubber bridges, a playhouse, swings, and much more. The playground will be wheelchair accessible and enclosed by a gated fence. Separate areas within the playground will be designated for kids under five and for kids age five to 12.
- Wheelchair- and stroller-accessible walking paths that circle the pond and connect with the fields (soccer, baseball, and football) and the basketball courts behind the Chocksett School.
- Science and nature themes will be used to unify the various features of Sterling Greenery Community Park and make it truly unique. The science/nature theme will be incorporated into the types of playground equipment (e.g. frog to climb on, mushrooms to jump over, and equipment demonstrating the principals of physics) and other aspects of the Park to engage kids and adults.
- Landscaping to help delineate the play areas, provide protection from the sun, and enhance the natural beauty of the area, which includes a pond, forest, and fields. Low-maintenance native plants will be used to reduce water dependency and because they are well suited to native plant and animal species on the site.
- Pavilion for group gatherings and protection from the sun.
- Benches and picnic tables for relaxing and eating.
- Parking area that is easily accessible from main road with plenty of space as well as bike racks.
What was the process
for determining the design of Sterling Greenery Community Park?
Extensive research was conducted to determine the best way to design the
Park so that it meets the needs of Sterling children and adults. The
committee visited nearly 30 playgrounds in the area, solicited feedback
from Sterling residents through a survey that was distributed at public
locations throughout town in the spring of 2005, and conducted a focus
group with children in the fall of 2005. Parents of children with
disabilities were also asked for input in January of 2006 through a
survey that was mailed to members of Central Massachusetts Families
Organizing for Change, a nonprofit that helps provide opportunities for
people with disabilities and their families. Once the needs of kids an
adults were clearly understood, the committee researched the top
playground equipment manufacturers in the area and asked five of them to
submit proposals. Ashland-based Goric Marketing Group was chosen to
design the play equipment because it has nearly 30 years of experience
building fun and unique equipment that is accessible to kids of all ages
and abilities.
What were the
results of the research process?
~ Make play structures interesting and different
~ Fence in the play area
~ Provide open space for running around
~ Provide infant and toddler swings
~ Provide group gathering spots and picnic areas
~ Address pest control
~ Make equipment suitable for children with physical limitations
~ Maintain park equipment and grounds
What are some of the
benefits of play, according to experts?
According to teachers and child development experts, play offers many
benefits for children including:
~ Puts learning into action
~ Develops social interactions
~ Develops spatial concepts
~ Improves health with a stronger body and prepares the brain for
cognitive
~ Improves hand-eye-body coordination performance
~ Promotes muscle development
~ Improves concentration
~ Encourages creative play
~ Refines motor skills
~ Stimulates the intellect and prepares the brain for cognitive
performance
~ Develops coordination
How was the site for
Sterling Greenery Community Park chosen?
Several locations around town were considered and the Muddy Pond and
Griffin Roads site was chosen because it offers a large amount of open
space, plenty of parking, is easily accessible, and has natural features
(e.g. a pond) that are being used to create a unique setting for the
Park.
How is Sterling
Greenery Community Park different from the one that’s behind the Houghton
School?
Sterling Greenery Community Park will be open to the public daily from dawn to
dusk. It will be easily accessible from Muddy Pond and Griffin Roads.
There will be two play areas specially designed for younger kids (ages
five and under) and older kids (age five to 12). Sterling Greenery
Community Park and some of the play equipment will be designed for those with
physical limitations. Sterling Greenery Community Park will also provide
opportunities for adults to socialize while walking on nature trails or
sitting at benches and picnic tables.
