Our Favorite Park Trends for 2022

2022 is in full swing, and G&G Builders begins another year of quality construction and meaningful projects. From connecting the community to promoting physical activity and mental health, public parks and playgrounds are a great way to contribute to a town’s wellbeing. Here are our favorite playground trends that we expect to see more of throughout the rest of the year.

Themed Playgrounds

G&G Builders has been privileged to work alongside companies like GameTime, Park Planet, and Miracle Playsystems to create themed playgrounds. Providing a setting for imaginative play, themed playgrounds support child development and help promote self-confidence. With endless opportunities for imagination and entertainment, these spaces encourage collaborative play amongst neighbors.   

We partnered with Miracle Playsystems to build an intricate, marine-themed playground in Alameda. The space pays homage to Allie the Wayward Whale, a beloved Humpback who spent several weeks by the Alameda shoreline before embarking back to the open sea. The inclusive playground features a humpback whale climber, swings, an imaginative area, and accessible fitness equipment for all to enjoy.

Inspired By Nature

We expect to see more playgrounds inspired by nature this year, drawing on the local environment to encourage creativity. These parks give children a chance to connect with the world around them, combining imagination with the wonder of nature. 

G&G worked with GameTime to build Nealon Park for the City of Menlo Park, California. With tree-trunk tunnels, climbing walls, entry arches, and shade structures, the park’s theme reflects the area's natural environment.

Promoting Accessibility

G&G Builders believes that inclusivity is essential to every community playground, and we expect more parks to provide accessible features to children of all abilities. Designing surfacing, routes, and ramps to accommodate wheelchairs is necessary for every park. We had the privilege of incorporating a ramped structure into Nealon Park, providing complete wheelchair access to the most exciting elements of the playground.  

We expect more parks  to give children a variety of choices for play. Children are unique, behaving and interacting in different ways. Some will immediately climb on free-climbers or swing on the swing set. Others may want to observe the action from a cozy bench. Incorporating various activities helps welcome children of different backgrounds, personalities, and strengths

A Space For Everyone

There’s something special about building for our community. Adding adventurous, inclusive, and safe outdoor space to our cities is a privilege, and we look forward to more projects this year.