A guest blog by Chris McGarvey, President of Northwest Playground Equipment
The impact that the WWRP has had on the communities we serve is truly endless. It only takes a minute of browsing the 1800+ projects funded by the WWRP to see just how much of a difference the program has made in our great State. Our team at Northwest Playground is spread throughout Washington which allows us the unique vantage point of enjoying a majority of the great public parks that many of our team members have helped develop. Over the past few weeks, we’ve reflected on many of our favorites and (while there were dozens!) wanted to share a few of the unique projects that were made possible – in large part by funding through the WWRP.
John Storvik Park Spray Pad, Anacortes
Did you know that splash pad facilities, on average, get as much use in their first 3 months of operation as traditional parks get year round? In 2016, the City of Anacortes experienced the success of bringing their first water feature to its residents with a 2,000 square foot splash pad that features 39 custom water elements inspired by local marine life. The park is completely accessible with a design focused on multi-generational use, allowing for an immersive water play experience for children, parents and grandparents alike.
First Creek Park, Tacoma
While we’re all surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, many of our urban communities lack access to nature and the outdoors. Parks Tacoma saw an opportunity to bring the thrill of rock-climbing directly to their urban core, and installed two large boulders with features mimicking classic bouldering routes. Fast forward to today, and more multi-generational park opportunities are being added to First Creek Park, including a Bamboo Forest climbing circuit and calisthenic fitness equipment. Both projects were brought to life in partnership with the WWRP and are proving to the communities of Tacoma that playing in the park is not just for kids!
Balfour Playground and Spray Park, Spokane Valley
Destination park facilities deserve world class amenities that cater to the thousands (or often millions!) of community members they plan to serve for generations. While the Balfour Playground and Spray Park is currently in the final stages of design, the project’s design aspirations have increased tremendously over its years of planning through the help of WWRP. We’re thrilled to see the expanded inclusive play area and splash pad finally come to life for the residents of the Spokane Valley in the not-too-distant future!
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And the list could go on and on! Now more than ever, it’s critical that we continue to fund the WWRP and the organizations who are building unique, culturally centric, and inclusive park areas that serve the multi-generational communities of our diverse State. Access to parks is essential to childhood development, brings families and communities together, and promotes mental wellness by providing unhindered access to the outdoors.
The great news is that we can all make a difference by supporting the WWRC, the WWRP, and the local agencies and organizations that turn bold ideas into real parks and playgrounds. With the right vision (and a little teamwork), projects like these can spring up anywhere!
Who We Are
Chris McGarvey is a lifelong Washington resident and the President of Northwest Playground Equipment, a family-owned company that has helped build community through play by designing and constructing outdoor park spaces across the Pacific Northwest for nearly 30 years. We are a long-term member of the Coalition and are proud to both work and play in the amazing environments that the WWRP helps make possible!
