City Park Nature Play is a four-acre immersive outdoor play space located adjacent to the Museum of Nature and Science. A major element of the design was the restoration of a historic waterway through different play experiences. Along the waterway, seven Colorado ecosystems were replicated and provide a unique experience from alpine tundra down to grassland plains. As part of Dig Studio’s team, Muller provided the civil engineering expertise to design a waterway which incorporates rushing water and tranquil pools fed by an engineered recirculation system, multiple points of access and experiential crossings, and facilitated the planting of a variety of vegetation along the waterway, all which help maximize the sensory experience. 

 

Art sculptures and custom play features including a centerpiece big horn sheep structure contribute to the project’s character and widened pathways, gentle slopes, and thoughtfully designed play elements ensure all ages and abilities can play together. The project uniquely replicates Colorado’s natural habitats and beauty in an urban setting.