A New Ellsworth Playground
The current playground dates back to 2002 and is in need of repair: both the equipment and the playground surface has seen better days. The terrain too, is very challenging to navigate.
With landscape architect Patrick Hand of Integrated Land Design, we developed the proposed site plan design presented at right, which will greatly enhance playground accessibility and safety, and improve hardscaping and landscaping elements.
Click on the image of the site plan design to see a larger version.
A rendering of the new playground equipment and seating, retaining walls and walking path is above.
The proposed design:
Replaces the current wooden playground structure with a new two-tier play structure.
Replaces the current “boat” play structure with a new spinning climbing net.
Creates new rock climbing walls surrounding the new main play structure, taking advantage of the differences in grade.
Keeps the current swing set, but replaces the swings, and incorporates more accessible swings.
Beneath the swings, builds out a new boulder wall featuring a slide.
Features a single park path (ADA compliant) that traverses the 29 foot vertical drop from the top to the bottom of the park, improving park safety and accessibility considerably for those with disabilities, seniors, and parents with children in strollers or on bikes.
Adds in new 18 inch seating walls in a variety of places in the park, abutting the new path, and making it easier for parents and guardians to sit near a variety of play spaces.
Adds a “hammock” swing in its own area beneath the main playlet, overlooking the park to create a more casual hangout where parents can lounge and watch kids play in the field.
Levels the lower end of the park (the lawn) and enhances drainage in that area, improving its use for recreation.
Reopens the two entrance gates that are currently soldered shut, improving park accessibility and safety.
Adds three new picnic tables, which will be sited under the large tree, the roots of which will be entirely covered in new wood chips.
Replaces the ground cover throughout with new wood chips.
Budget & Fundraising
The estimated budget for this redesign is $550k+, with a little more than half of the funding going towards new playground equipment, benches, and tables, and the remainder for hardscaping and landscaping changes.
FoSP has already begun to reach out to multiple sources in order to secure the funds needed to complete this project. As you may know, the City of Atlanta budget for Parks and Recreation does not fully fund park restoration projects, so Friends of the Park Groups work with Park Pride, elected officials and other entities (nonprofits, corporate donors) to secure funding. Neighbors also play a vital role in helping to raise money for their neighborhood parks.
In 2025-2026, we will be asking neighbors to consider giving higher dollar donations, which will be recognized with engraved messages on infrastructure in the new park.
More information about sponsorship opportunities for neighbors and businesses is available here.