Park improvements precede new Burlingame Community Center
Would you like to try a sphere merry-go-round or a hammock swing? Among the trees and fields of Washington Park in Burlingame, CA, a new playground, multi-sport court, and picnic area are unveiled as the first phase of the new community center project is completed. The phased project will allow Burlingame community members access to Washington Park during construction of the community center, which will break ground in Spring 2020.
The mayor and a crowd of energetic kids officially inaugurated the new park amenities on December 10th. Children stormed the interactive play structures, testing the drums and chimes, scrambling up net climbing equipment and bouldering walls, searching for the hidden woodland creature designs, and zooming down slides. The kids soon discovered the sphere merry-go-round, and their joy was unbridled. The two-seated friendship swing and hammock swing were also popular.
A playground advisory committee and community survey helped shape the playground program to maximize pedestrian circulation and provide ample seating for caregivers. Honoring the community’s wishes, the playground’s natural color palette and tree-motif light fixtures are sensitive to the surrounding environment, with blue accent colors foreshadowing the community center to come. The City Arborist collaborated closely to incorporate existing and newly planted trees (including a new Copper Beech heritage tree) throughout the site.
In the middle of the inventive new play equipment, Washington Park regulars will recognize the well-loved train structure, which was moved from the old playground based on community input. The reorganization of the park has also retained the historic Gunst Estate gates at the Burlingame Avenue entrance.
In addition to the new playground, park improvements include a multi-sport court that can accommodate basketball, futsal, and pickleball. Between the sports court, the playground, and the future community center, new picnic areas are also an attractive feature for local families. The picnic tables will connect the park and the community center, helping activate the building’s outdoor spaces. We’re excited to see the community center take shape and fulfill Burlingame’s vision for Washington Park!
Congratulations and thanks to the design team, the City of Burlingame, and our partners: Suarez & Munoz Construction, Inc., RHAA Landscape Architects, BKF Engineers, O’Mahony & Myer, Griffin Structures, BAGG Engineers, Ross Recreation, and Robertson Installations. Images by Group 4.
