All Abilities Playground wins Texas ASLA Merit Award
We’re excited to share that Texas ASLA awarded the All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park a Merit Award in the Planning and Analysis category! As design lead, TBG led focus group and community meetings in collaboration with the Public Outreach consultant, Cultural Strategies. Together, we presented design options and corresponded with participants and experts within the accessibility community to develop the overall vision of the project. In addition, the team processed feedback from experts and focus groups to generate a set of planning principles that will drive design impacting the most users.
about the project
Austin, Texas, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful parks, will set a new standard in playground design with the All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park. This project, driven by public feedback, expands inclusivity beyond accessible design by involving the community in every planning and design step. The nature-inspired plan features sensory-friendly zones, adaptive equipment, and accessible pathways, ensuring children and families of all abilities can play, explore, and connect. Located in one of Austin’s historically underserved neighborhoods, this park strengthens community bonds and provides a welcoming space for all.
community-informed design principles:
The design team processed feedback from experts and focus groups to generate a set of planning principles that will drive design impacting the most users, including:
Inclusivity: Enabling children with different abilities to play together fosters, inclusivity, social development, and empathy.
Nature Play: Trails and natural elements immerse kids in their local environment.
Observation Space: Features like comfortable seating, shaded areas, and clear sightlines allow caregivers to supervise and engage with the children more effectively.
Sensory Experiences: Retreat spaces offer unprescribed space for both stimulating and calming sensory experiences.
Therapeutic Environments: Accessible seating, smooth pathways, and sensory-friendly features accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, or other diverse needs.
Wayfinding: Intuitive wayfinding ensures easy movement throughout the playground. Plans include braille and Spanish interpretations for all signage.
Additional community-supported elements include:
_Strategic layout and size of parking areas, including 19% accessible parking
_Thoughtful play zone enclosures to balance stimulation
_Accessible surface materials and pathways integrated in play experiences
_Limited use of play mulch
_Inclusive restroom (including adult changing table)
_A physical therapy trail and outdoor classroom space for teachers, therapists and caregivers
_An exploration pavilion to encourage nature-based learning
_Spaces for mental restoration, physical activity, and community events
site context
Guided by the 2015 Onion Creek Master Plan, sustainability is vital for the flood-prone Onion Creek Watershed.
Design measures to mitigate flood risks and promote sustainability include:
_Reducing impervious surfaces and enhancing water capture beyond code-minimum requirements, making responsible water capture a play feature
_Using natural materials like cork for play surfaces to minimize environmental impact
_Restoring surrounding areas to Blackland Prairie and woodland habitats as nature play opportunities
design response
The “Larger than Life” playground theme celebrates the unique animals and habitats of Central Texas. The playground transforms into an enchanted habitat where nature comes alive on a grand scale, with seven distinct play zones inspired by oversized native creatures with their unique abilities and habitats—like the hummingbird who are unable to walk but fly at astonishing speeds. Visitors can soar to new heights in their habitat with an elevated walkway, bird-watching tower, zipline, and accessible swings for everyone to enjoy the thrill of flight. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the woods integrated with sensory-focused equipment home to the anole who has challenges controlling its temperature but can change color with mood and environment. Shifting the perspective of limitations to necessary superpowers. These zones offer children opportunities to explore their strengths through movement, sensory play, and imaginative adventures, encouraging children to connect with nature while appreciating their own unique abilities. By embedding the community’s vision into every design choice, this playground becomes more than a park—it becomes a shared legacy and sense of pride that reflects and celebrates the people it serves.
The All Abilities Playground will significantly enhance the quality of life for children with disabilities and their families by addressing a critical gap in Austin’s recreational spaces. It offers a safe and enjoyable environment for children of all abilities to play, learn, and interact. As Austin’s first all abilities playground, it redefines how public spaces can promote inclusivity, public engagement, and connection.
