Mammoth playground: Bringing prehistory to life in Harwood Park, Dallas
Welcome to Mammoth Playground at Harwood Park, Dallas! This unique playground, inspired by Texas's grandeur and prehistoric Columbian Mammoths, is a collaboration between SPEC Play, Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture, and Lappset. Designed for all ages, it features inclusive play elements like slides, climbing structures, and fitness challenges. Celebrated for its innovative design, Harwood Park has transformed from a parking lot to a vibrant community space, earning awards and community acclaim. Explore history, play, and inclusivity at Harwood Park!
A collaboration of vision and craftsmanship
When tasked with creating a playground that reflects the charm and grandeur of Texas, SPEC Play and Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture drew inspiration from the Lappset Dinosaur in Spain. The goal was clear: designing a playground as large and impressive as Texas.
Christine Ten Eyck, founding principal of Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture, envisioned Harwood Park as a narrative spanning 100,000 years, tracing its history from prehistoric mammoth grazing grounds through various transformative eras to its current identity as a vibrant downtown space.
This vision birthed the idea of monumental Columbian Mammoths, bridging the past and present of this iconic location.
The co-design process of this bespoke playground
The collaboration between SPEC Play, Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture, and Lappset set a new benchmark for co-design excellence.
Initially conceptualised as an all-wood structure, the design evolved into an all-steel masterpiece at the request of the City of Dallas. This critical change allowed for greater durability and stunning visual appeal, with the mammoth skins providing open sightlines and diverse play values.
The collaborative spirit among the teams ensured that each aspect of the design was meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Ten Eyck's vision while meeting rigorous safety and aesthetic standards.
SPEC Play, © Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography
Mammoth-themed playground concept image by Lappset
From concept to reality
We worked closely with SPEC Play, who was directly contracted by the Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy, to bring this ambitious project to life, ensuring the playground perfectly encapsulates the grandeur of the Columbian Mammoths.
The grand opening in 2023 unveiled the 'ghost' mammoths, now iconic fixtures of Downtown Dallas, welcoming visitors to a space that seamlessly blends historical reverence with modern playfulness.
Designed for all ages: Inclusive play at its best
The Harwood Park playground is a triumph of inclusive design, catering to children aged 2-12 while offering engaging elements for all age groups.
With features such as slides, climbing structures, rope play, imaginative play areas, swings, balancing beams, and fitness challenges, this playground is a haven for physical activity and creative exploration.
Even seniors can find joy and exercise with elements inspired by the Senior Sport line, ensuring that Harwood Park is a destination for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
SPEC Play, © Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography
A memorable experience
Working on the Harwood Park project has been an honour for us at Lappset and SPEC Play. Collaborating with the esteemed Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture firm and the Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy has been a rewarding journey, culminating in an award-winning transformation that continues to delight and inspire.
Christine Ten Eyck, FASLA, of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects Inc., shares her heartfelt thanks: “Thank you, SPEC PLAY and Lappset, for working with us to make the Columbian Ghost Mammoths once again walk the watershed of Dallas, Texas!!! You made our dreams come true, and everyone loves them! You guys were great to work with, and I am so grateful for your design of all the parts and pieces that brought them to life AND met US play codes. Thanks for everything!”
Sarah E. Hughes, Vice President & Project Director of Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy, echoes this sentiment: “The playground SPEC Play designed for Harwood Park is fun, unique and a spectacular nod to the location's lesser-known history. The play equipment takes the form of the Columbian Mammoths that once roamed our area and transport park visitors into a hub of fun and adventure in the middle of our downtown. This innovative design not only encourages physical development and imagination but also provides a unique historical context. Loved by kids and parents alike, this playground is a cherished part of our community park.”
Awards and recognition
The Harwood Park project has been recognised with the 2023 Dallas Architecture Forum Landscape Urban Design Public Space Category and the 2023 Greater Dallas Planning Council Urban Design Awards – Built Award Winner.
Explore the future of inclusive play
For more information and photos of the Harwood Park playground, visit SPEC Play - Harwood Park. Experience the wonder of the Mammoths and be inspired by this remarkable playground that celebrates history, community, and inclusive play.
For landscape architects and urban planners aspiring to create impactful and engaging public spaces, the Harwood Park playground is an inspiring reference case—proving that history and play can coexist harmoniously to promote well-being in our communities.