City of Vancouver Parks & Recreation
Esther Short Park is in the oldest public square in Washington and has historically played a vital role in the community—a role that continues today. The City of Vancouver’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department selected the park for a new play area as part of its Project Play initiative because of the park’s popularity, historical importance and key downtown location, and aging equipment.
Our project team worked extensively with equipment suppliers, Harper’s Playground, and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department to ensure the new layout is welcoming to all ages and abilities, maximizing play potential while working to preserve the adjacent existing mature Douglas-fir trees, historic character, and circulation and event spaces. The improvements reimagine the playground from a new perspective compared to the traditional playground experience. Landforms, accessible surfacing, social interaction features, and non-scripted play opportunities invite people of all ages and abilities to thrive together through play. Because when it comes to designing community spaces, every person should be considered.
