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Ballardvale Park
Rehabilitating a Neighborhood Park
Historic Ballardvale District in Andover, MAOverview
In 2015, this neighborhood park was loved, heavily used, but in great need of a renovation. To build consensus and buy-in on the vision, Traverse held public forums with both the Town and parent groups throughout the design process.
The new design worked around the existing little league field and basketball court. Serpentine paths meander through the site and surround the new tot lot and play area providing an impromptu race track for child-sized vehicles.
Adjacent to the existing train tracks, the tot lot includes a “train”-inspired climbing structure as well as swings and a sandbox. The larger play area offers graduating challenges, the centerpiece of which is a 7’ climbing rock and the “Burmese Net”.
Universal accessibility is created throughout the park and benches are strategically located to provide a resting spot for parents and a clear line of sight to the play areas. Working with the historic commission, a shade structure was selected that would complement the surrounding architecture and serve both the playground and little league field.
The new design worked around the existing little league field and basketball court. Serpentine paths meander through the site and surround the new tot lot and play area providing an impromptu race track for child-sized vehicles.
Adjacent to the existing train tracks, the tot lot includes a “train”-inspired climbing structure as well as swings and a sandbox. The larger play area offers graduating challenges, the centerpiece of which is a 7’ climbing rock and the “Burmese Net”.
Universal accessibility is created throughout the park and benches are strategically located to provide a resting spot for parents and a clear line of sight to the play areas. Working with the historic commission, a shade structure was selected that would complement the surrounding architecture and serve both the playground and little league field.
