Project Play
Project Play – Esther Short Park
Project Play is a vision to strategically place fully accessible playgrounds at parks throughout Vancouver, where people of all ages and abilities can thrive together through play. We are excited to share that in 2022 the play area at Esther Short Community Park (W. 8th & Columbia) will be reimagined using the radically inclusive model designed by our partners at Harper's Playground!
Why Esther Short Community Park?
The play equipment at Esther Short Park was installed in 1998 and at over 20 years old, is ready to be replaced. As one of Vancouver’s most popular parks, a fully inclusive playground at Esther Short Park will be used by many residents and visitors.
The new play area will incorporate accessible equipment and natural materials that are key to the Harper’s Playground model. Decorative elements will be added to reference the historical significance of the park and honor its Victorian design.
Funding for the new play area at Esther Short Park is being covered by fees collected from developers during the Vancouver Waterfront Park project. There are no direct costs to Vancouver residents.
What is the Harper's Playground "Radically Inclusive" model?
- Physically Inviting: Is it accessible? And is it adaptive? Universal accessibility ensures that everybody can get everywhere and to everything. Adaptability means everything is designed to suit different conditions or needs.
- Socially Inviting: Is it natural? Is it communal? Nature provides a calming effect on our mental and physical health, reducing fear, stress, and anger. Open, communal spaces allow people to gather, connect and share.
- Emotionally Inviting: Is it thoughtful? Is it beautiful? Humans are impacted by their surroundings. Small, thoughtful details that provide comfort and delight the senses have a positive effect on a person’s wellbeing.
The most recent U.S Census data shows that one in five Americans has a disability. Most playgrounds incorporate basic ramps and a few wheelchair accessible play options to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 2010 playground rules. Even with these changes, many members of our community are left on the sidelines.
In addition to making the park more inviting for people with disabilities, there is overwhelming evidence that unstructured play environments with natural features are also preferred by children who do not experience disability. We are excited to create a truly inclusive and welcoming space at Esther Short Park, where people of all abilities can play together and thrive.
Design Highlights
- Double Slide & Play Mound
- Boulder Scramble
- Climbing Dome
- Zero Entry Merry Go All
- Swings
- Roxall See-Saw
- Music Garden
- Increased Seating
- Additional trees and landscaping
View the design plans for Esther Short Park in an interactive PDF here. Once the file is opened, click on any feature with white text to see a real-life photo.
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Tell us what you think! We welcome your comments about the planned park improvements at Esther Short Park.
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9 months ago
Excellent plan. Like climbing boulders as a natural feature. Is there any way to incorporate some logs, another natural, environmental item?
10 months ago
Not big enough play structure
The current play structures (fort/slides & swings) are covered with kids especially during busy seasons. We’ve been many times and my littles often have to wait to use features and it’s quite chaotic. The new plan has even less actual play space! Kids like the big structures to climb up and around and multiple slides (2 is not going to cut it) on a sunny day especially during farmers market and special events. There are very few actual swings which is going to increase wait times. While it looks “pretty” we need more space for the kids to actually play and more than just a couple swings.
10 months ago
The seesaw & merry-go-round are good ideas, but overall this looks like a big downgrade from the existing park.
Looks boring
10 months ago
I think it looks lovely! Maybe a water pump and trough for small kids to splash in?
10 months ago
The overwhelming issue, speaking as a parent, is that of being safe and healthy. Times of problematic people and trash is 24/7 seemingly.
Families will continue to avoid a park that doesn't feel safe or a health risk from needles or used clothing or food containers or such, needs to be addressed and solution implemented before putting playground equipment in place.
Interactive PDF
Videos
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Born and raised in Marin County, California,Cody is convinced that the secret to building a better world for all is building better playgrounds. Cody and his wife April live in Portland with their daughters Harper and Lennon. Due to eight-year- old Harper's unique needs, the couple launched "Harper's Playground," a passion project that has spurred a movement to design and build the city's first inclusive playground, one that adapts to the needs of children of all abilities.
Event Recap - April 12, 2014 at the Keller Auditorium with 2900+ in attendance marked the 4th installment for TEDxPortland. Committed to ideas worth spreading in the Rose City and beyond, 55+ volunteers, worked year round to organize this one-day event featuring 14 speakers and 4 performances. This year's theme was PERFECT.
With special thanks to the UNIVERSITY OF OREGON for presenting partnership, a world class stage design provided by HENRY V, an incredible legacy bound book provided by PREMIER PRESS and to the creative digital craft provided by INSTRUMENT. All of our "Perfect Partners" can be found here: http://www.tedxportland.com/?partners
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
