rev. dr. martin luther king jr. park playground project · • like the open spaces of the park for...

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Playground Project


Playground Project

701 Xenia Ave South, Suite 300Minneapolis, MN 55416Tel: (763) 541-4800 · Fax: (763) 541-1700wsbeng.comSeptember 4, 2013Project Number: #01165-830

Community Survey

As part of the community outreach process, a survey was created to gather information and was available both in English as well as Spanish. The survey was available online, at the park site, and at various community events.

The following provides just some of the information taken from the surveys:

What We Found Out:• There were numerous positive comments on the cleanliness of the park and building.• The surveys included comments from numerous Minneapolis neighborhoods and even one

from St. Paul (worked in the community), but the majority of the respondents were from the Kingfield Neighborhood.

• Many people who took the surveys were infrequent park users, from rarely to never (25%), or 1-2 times per month (32%).

• Those who did use the park most often used the playground (74%), wading pool (30%), and meeting rooms (30%).

• Majority of the people walk to the park (66%) with driving coming in second (36%)

Comments and Suggestions:• Want a variety of activities to accommodate varying age groups• Envision a place where many people can come together and feel connected in place and spirit• Some comments envisioning a sculpture and/or educational information that kids could climb

on and interact with• Many comments for swings and overhead ladders• Many prefer having playground areas separated by age uses, yet want the ability to see both

of them at the same time• Like the open spaces of the park for sledding and flying kites• Like to have a place to meet with other members of the community and “have our kids meet

new people”• Positive comments in regards to kids liking “chutes and ladders”, climbing nets, and sand and

water play• Want interesting or unique equipment not found in other nearby parks• Memorial walkway• Scavenger hunt for historical clues• Better accessibility for various abilities• Celebrate diversity• Kid sized amphitheater


Playground Project


Community Meeting #1• The first community meeting was held on July 30th at the park building. Introductions by the

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board were given at the start of the meeting, along with an overview of the project timeline and meeting schedule (shown below).

•• Activities at the community meeting included a brainstorming station, a history listening

station, and a community building station. Notes from each station were taken.


Playground Project

Community meeting #1 schedule of events:

INTRODUCTIONS:

701 Xenia Avenue SouthSuite 300Minneapolis, MN 55416www.wsbeng.com

Project #1165-830July 30, 2013

Meet the members of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the Design Team who will be working with you throughout this design process and learn about the following project information. * Project Team Members* Project Background and Goals* Overall Schedule/Timeline

ACTIVITIES: Everyone can join in on various activities to allow us to get to know one another, gather information related to the project and have some fun. * Game / Brainstorming Station* Community Building Station* History Listening Station

SUMMARY: The Design Team members will summarize some of the information they have heard tonight along with information that has been gathered from the community surveys.

INTERMISSION: Take a quick break before we finish up the evening’s activities

SITE REVIEW: The Design Team members will be providing an overview of the project site area and site Master Plan as it relates to the playground project.

DESIGN APPLICATION: Actively take information gathered and apply it to the project design by working side-by-side with our Design Team members to provide appropriate design parameters and visioning for the playground.

CLOSING: We will wrap up the nights activities and let you know what the next step is. Feel free to stop and talk with us one-on-one as you leave and be sure to come back for our next meeting!


Playground Project


Brainstorming Station• The brainstorming session included an ice-breaking marble game where the participants chose

marbles and had to provide specific information to the group according to the color of their marble.

• The key to the marble colors and some answers included:

• Yellow - Name your favorite highly active/challenging activity

· climbing on a jungle gym · climbing web · monkey bars · water skiing · running · volleyball

• White - Name your favorite passive hobby/activity

· Japanese zen garden · swinging gently · sitting and thinking · meditation · discovering nature · labyrinth · board/card games · picnicking · giant chess game/board · reading

• Blue - Tell us something unique or personal about yourself

· like bad jokes · do yoga · part of a racial group people don’t know exist (Romani) · CEO of a tennis center but a bad tennis player · make art jewelry · collect art

• Green - Name something you wish you had more time to do

· sleep · make art (3) · spend time with nature

• Black - Name your favorite outdoor activity either now or when you were a kid

· tire swing · hiking · playing in a creek · playing capture the flag · traveling · flashlight tag


Playground Project



Playground Project


Following the marble game, participants were asked some specific questions and shown some words, then asked for quick word association style responses.

The following shows the questions and results.


Playground Project


What do you value or enjoy the most about the existing playground?

• vast space/lots of open space• round shape, kids don’t like sharp edges• the wading pool• two play areas that are separate (and

pool) to go back and forth between• separate spaces for smaller kids/

appropriate play• like the sand/love the sand• tire swing• age range• shade/trees• grass area

• trails• physical for older kids, more challenging monkey

bars• love the diversity and people (3)• clean, spacious, lots of trees• variety of activities• decent seating/picnic tables• pool and basketball court

What types of equipment would you like in the new playground?

• equipment that adults can play with the kids (North Mississippi Regional Park)

• zero depth pool, more versatile water play/splash pad

• climbing dome made from thick, heavy rope

• tunnels, tubes, slides (BIG slides)• connected play areas - hot lava without

touching the ground• toddler area and bid kid area/separate

areas for small children• setback farther from Nicollet Ave• mid-block designated crosswalk• rope climbing web/tower of terror• sensory experiences -water, things to

climb on, mental, and physical• reflect on natural surroundings (materials,

colors, emulate nature)• zip line with wire

• drinking fountain• arch/entryway• sand table• water source (play stuff, spouts)• things to climb• colorful - the pieces can be a learning experience• shaded area - equipment that doesn’t burn• greenspace/gardens• creative pieces, unique like a curved slide• exercise station for adults• place to sit and interact, facing each other• hammock


Playground Project


How do you envision the playground could . . . 1) Honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? 2) Teach us about the Civil Rights Movement? 3) Recognize the contribution made from the African American community?

• built-in scavenger hunt• scientist/inventor/portraits of prominent

African Americans• replica of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.• climbable words or letters• climbable sculptures of people• gathering space to symbolize bringing

people together• a bridge - accessible with activities

(referencing the Edmund Pettus Bridge) and different kinds of bridging

• progressive wall• abstract ideas - justice, cooperation,

power of the ground• arch of history• play structures could look like

contributions in history (stoplight, real M. Coy, Iron boards, etc.)

• plaques identifying inventors/educational pieces• creative ways to shape equipment• labels with place cards for educational purposes• local history of the Civil Rights Movement• giant pictures on swings, slides, things hanging• child-like nature interwoven into themes• something that causes thoughts• attraction from other parts of the city of

creative spaces, setting an example

Additional comments/suggestions:

• timeless and durable• safe• beautiful entryway• subtle education• solar panels on the park building• unique stuff• climbing work• element of surprise• accessible to all• community ownership• taking advantage of a natural park• parent friendly• exercise station

• constant discovery• relocate site levels• closer play area• no compartments• flow• more interpretation• libation at the entry


Playground Project


Story Telling Station

The story telling station included a few elder members of the local community who came in to tell their first-hand stories from their own lives growing up. They shared how they were involved in, or affected by, the protests and marches during the era of the Civil Rights Movement, as well as answered questions. Thanks to Verlena Matey-Keke, Leon Patterson, Loretta Patterson, and Loraine Dotson, and Doris Christopher for helping us out.

These are stories from the elder’s perspectives about their actual experiences during that timeframe living in their community. These individuals told stories about migrating from the South to the North. They lived in various locations, including Birmingham, Alabama. There were memories of the dogs being turned on protesters while they were doing peaceful marches . . . water being sprayed on protesters . . . and individuals being beaten by the police for taking part in these events. They explained the difference between racism in the North and South. The main reason for migrating north was for better paying jobs. Before they knew it, their families were also moving north for work and to be with other family members and many ended up in this area of Minneapolis.

The meeting participants, no matter what ethnic group, were eager to ask questions and learn more about the true history from the people who lived it. One overriding concern was the importance of not allowing a dog park at this particular site due to the sensitive historical component of this park and its namesake. For many, the memory of the dogs is still very clear in their memory, as though it was yesterday.

Since many of us were so caught up in the conversation, we apologize for any errors or missing information.

Storyteller Leon Patterson:Leon lived in Birmingham, Alabama and his father was a share cropper. Attended marches and rally when he was 15 years old. Leon’s personal experience on 4th Avenue West in Birmingham, which was the main street where businesses were located and was the separation of the black community from the white community. “My brother gave me a quarter to go the movies. Police came with the paddy wagon with dogs and sprayed the protesters with water. The police had their dogs and the next thing I knew, they were coming after me. This happened in August of 1968. These feelings do not go away from dogs being turned on you.”Leon said, “If he could know then what he knows now . . .” and “Life is too good to be mean to one another”


Playground Project


You see what is happening . . . people do not want to talk about the bad, It was always fighting for us.

Leon came to Minnesota to find a better paying job. He found a job almost immediately as a driver where he made $3.70/hour and worked six days a week. He also worked as a cook and is well known for his cooking ability. His main reason for working here is because they had a union shop. He was making the same amount as others in Alabama were making in 30 days. It was a big difference. But blacks had to have a connection to get a job. He remembers not being able to swim in the same pools as whites, not being able to sit in the movies on the main floor with whites (had to sit in the color-only section in the balcony), not being able to go to the other side of town or cross the train tracks. He recalls that no one knew they were poor while growing up because everyone was. He is friends with Horace Huntley who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1970 and was instrumental in the demonstrations at Morrill Hall. He eventually moved back to Birmingham where he became a professor of black studies.

Storyteller Loretta PattersonLoretta mainly stayed home taking care of her younger siblings while other members of her family attended the protests and marches. She was scared and many of her family members ended up being arrested.Loretta came north later and met up with Leon

Storyteller Verlena Matey-KekeFrom southeast Missouri. She lived a block from her grandparents and her grandfather had a big farm. Remembers not being able to swim in the same pools as whites and so they swam in the river and her brother ended up drowning in 1955 when she was 11 years old. She went through trauma when she first moved to Minnesota but eventually learned of her true heritage and has gone to her homeland and been met with royalty. Still a lot of racism in the north, but it was a different kind of racism.Black history was, and is, still lacking.


Playground Project


Until we learn our history and our stories, we will never learn the good and bad.Though there are many tragic stories, we need to display positive messages as part of the playground project.

Storyteller Loraine DotsonWe were called Colored, not black or African American.She recalls seeing members of the Klu Klux Klan walking outside her house with their white garments on and even on their horses. They would walk up and down the street just to scare people. She did not go to jail.The colored ladies who did the alterations in the department store; they could not eat in the area where they worked, it was for whites only.

Storyteller Doris ChristopherBorn in Minnesota and moved to St. Paul at 4 years oldDad worked for the railroadThere is no difference between the North and South when it comes to the color of your skin. It was evident we did not live like whites.I went to a black church and to Saint Agnes School. The University was the dividing line from the black and white. Black history was not taught in schools and is still not taughtA black inventors playground is what got me interested in this playground - No Dog Park - not at this park. The park can be a reflection of your kids to grow up and learn about their history, to learn about the positive contributions to society.


Playground Project


Community Building StationThe community building station was a hands-on artistic station run by local artist, Ta-coumba Aiken. Participants were given a cardboard box and a variety of supplies. They were asked to create collages on their boxes of images of what they felt was important to include in the future playground, how they would move through it, who it would serve, what colors they saw, what sensory stimulus they want, and the community bonds it should reflect.

The following are photos of the collage boxes that were created.


Playground Project



Playground Project


Site Review & Design ApplicationFollowing the rotations through the three different activity stations, the community participants were broken up into groups along with a member of the design team and were told:

“It is the year 2025 and you are visiting the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Playground with your kids, or your grandkids, or some friends. This is the most fun and most awesome park around and you are telling them about how you helped design it. What does this park look like or contain that makes it so awesome?”

The groups were given some paper and a site map and asked to draw images or words explaining this park they have envisioned, as well as provided some background information on the existing site conditions and the elements of the previous park master plan (shown below).


Project #1165-830July 30, 2013

NGraphic Scale

0’ 40’ 80’ 120’

Wall/Fence

Pool

To Pool & Building Entrance

Play Area# 1

Play Area# 2

Basketball

Volleyball

Mosaics

Main Building

View of play area #1 from Nicollet Ave

View of Freedom Form #2 Sculpture Area from Nicollet

Play Area #1:•Elementary Aged•Highly visible•Has portions of safety fence/barrier

between playground and street (necessary)

•Outdated equipment, is at the end of its useful life

•No accessible connection to building or lower amenities

UPPER LEVEL:•Good mixture of shade and sun•Picnic areas•Nice visual connection to mosaics•High visibility from Nicollet Ave.•Nice views of lower level along wall•Noisy from vehicular traffic

LOWER LEVEL:•Good mixture of shade and sun•Picnic areas & event space•Quieter atmosphere•Better relationship with building

entrance and other amenities•Not visible from street/more hidden

Trails Not AccessibleWithin This Area


Playground Project

UPPER LEVELN

ico

llet

Ave

LOWER LEVEL

Ballfield

Play Area #2:•Pre-School Aged•Safer distance from street•Fairly visible from street•No accessible connection to building

or lower amenities•Outdated equipment, is at the end

of its useful life

Existing Park inventory/analysis -enlargement plan exhibit

1002824130002

10028244201301002824420178 1002824420129 1002824420100

1002824120104 1002824120103 1002824120120 1002824120119

NIC

OLL

ET

AV

E

INTE

RST

ATE

35W

42ND ST E

40TH ST E40TH ST W

41ST ST W

42ND ST W

1ST

AVE

S

MARTIN LUTHERKING PARK

EXISTING PLAYGROUND

Recreation Center and Parking

Tennis Courts

Wading PoolSoftball Fields

and Football Field

Volleyball Court

Basketball Court

Baseball Field

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 4055 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis

Freedom Form 2 Sculpture

Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center


Project #1165-830July 30, 2013

Existing Park Aerial Map Exhibit

Site Photos

Park Concept Plan Exhibit


Playground Project

See Enlargement Plan

Elementary Play Area

Pre-School Play Area

Lower Level Picnic & Event Space

View of Lower Level from Upper Level


Playground Project


The following information shows the results of the design charette.

• Grandkids are swinging• Grandson playing basketball in gym• Come for exercises-seniors, except not

during summer. Too hot.• Adult swings-rocking swing (very

comforting, like on the grandmas front porch)

• Moms with babies could be there• Make the porch look old fashioned• Great grandparents• Handicap swing, chair swing, ADA (mobility

and sight)• Kids in wheelchairs can swing• Caterpillar-open and closes and children can

ride on it• Explain equipment if it is a themed park• Slide- at the bottom have info, have it be

kid friendly language• Stop lights- African American inventors• Incorporate inventions into equipment• Show images of inventors and MLK• Have some MLK quotes• Use words that bring people together-

PEACE• Bring all the cultures together• American history is about everyone-correct

the lies in the history books• King’s dream was for all of us to get along• Respect is the start-children learn that on

the playground• Can’t “hope”, have to “make” change• Inventor could be all races• Words that you can turn- something like

magnetic poetry-words are interactive-get the quote right

• Gallery guides-get trained


Playground Project


• “Slide through history” slide with images of civil rights movement

• No stairs - all ramps so everyone can access the playground

• Tree house• Suspension bridges• Handles to climb across• Balancing discs• Rocking balance ball• Overhead climbing bars• Trampoline (beneath bars in case you fall)• Balance Beam• Glass chimes• Music incorporated (like when you walk

across something)

• Swings/mobile• Use visual graphics on

overhead bars to display struggle to achievement

• Sensory-textures, walk on water, sound• Connect levels• Use of artistic elements with bright colors

(noted the work of artist Niki de Saint Phalle)


Playground Project


• Timeless and durable• Safe• Beautiful Entryway• Subtle education• Solar panels on the park building• Unique Stuff• Climbing Work• Element Surprise• Accessible to all• Community ownership• Taking advantage of natural park• Parent Friendly

• Exercise station• Constant discovery• Relocate site levels• Closer play area• No compartments• Flow• More interpretation• Libation at the entry


Playground Project


• A big gateway with zip-line that connects them

• Safety, magnificent to outdoors• Arches with stairs of people

through the park. Local stories. Local heroes.

• A climbing tree with a hot button at top and it tells a story ( like Lake Harriet Rose Garden)

• Climbing wall arch• Arch just high enough for kids• Like Christos gate in central park• Bathed in orange light. Space has a

spiritual quality. • Brings people together you want

to be in it.• Healing• Space for music like Bryant Square

Plaza-Public performance space• Maple Grove just installed a

park with outdoor instruments. Awesome! Call and response!

• Discovery- kids can have their freedom

• Stage• Add bike parking• Bridge two play

containers somehow (figurative)


Playground Project


• Gazebo with fun sitting areas• Water table• Tower• Little kids area• Splash pad/misters• Slides to race• Zip line• Rope climb• Big kids area• Merry-go-round• Natural rock to climb up to slide

rev. dr. martin luther king jr. park playground project · • like the open spaces of the park for...

Documents