Industry

Community & Social Infrastructure

Key Collaborators

Mean Studio

Website

The Concept

Developed in collaboration with Mean Studio, the space was designed as a whimsical, sensory-rich environment built around trauma-informed principles. CNC-milled marine ply profiles, natural wood elements, custom steel monkey bars, and a tuned sound armature emerge from the ground to create a landscape of hiding places, climbers, and imaginative backdrops. Sightlines were carefully considered so caregivers could keep children in view from the kitchen and surrounding gathering spaces at all times.

The Challenge

The playground was installed after the pour-in-place rubber safety surfacing had already been laid – an uncommon sequencing that created significant constraints. Every structure had to arrive on site in pieces, be installed with minimal ground disturbance, and avoid damaging an expensive finished surface that could not be easily repaired. Standard foundation approaches were off the table.

The Solution

Real Life advised on a screw pile foundation system that floated all structures subtly above the impact surfacing, eliminating the need for invasive excavation. To navigate restricted site access, Real Life built the equipment on trailer wheels so each piece could be brought in and positioned by hand. Real Life also led all fabrication, including the CNC-milled marine ply elements, applying their playground safety design methodology to ensure the fully custom build passed CSA compliance inspection without a single deficiency.