Lynwood Mega Playground, California

The Saturn Sphere and every design decision made throughout and surrounding the multistory rope net structure was made with the goal to evoke movement. One example is seen in the freestanding spinning equipment, representing moons, meteors, satellites, and other galactic material caught in the second largest planet's orbit. The various netting used throughout the Saturn Sphere will challenge children to crawl, climb, and traverse their way around the rings, then up, down and through the planet's spiraling floors and internal net tunnels.

Including a slide in the main play solution emerged as a priority, but staying true to a round, planetary form would be an essential requirement. KOMPAN Design Studio designers and engineers solved this challenge by creating a solution with an internal slide that integrates into the structure's support system, primarily configured around a single central support column. COROMESH, a diamond-shaped small mesh net, allowed for flexibility in creating the three-dimensional, spiraling levels in the Saturn. When landscape architects wanted to give children the opportunity to gaze up into the skies above, a solution was created in an 'oculus' cap, that also brightened the play space with natural light. Handmade canvas panels provide internal shading in a design pattern that fosters the same sense of movement seen throughout the play equipment.