SmithGroup invited Terra to continue our conceptualization for Discovery Play components for Metropark Toledo’s most ambitious and exciting riverfront park to date, called Glass City Metropark. The Metropark sits on the former site of the Toledo Edison Power Plant, and one of its goals is to heal the land through the re-establishment of woodland, prairie and riparian habitats. Another major goal is to provide nearby underserved Toledo neighborhoods the opportunity to access iconic and ample recreational facilities along the Maumee River.
SmithGroup is leading the planning and design efforts for this transformative urban recreational destination. Terra is assisting the team by designing four significant interactive components of the Metropark: The Headwaters, Mini-Maumee, and the Pollinator Play and Adventure Play zones of the Park.
Water plays an important role at Glass City Metropark, beginning with the Headwaters, an interactive water play area that is fed by themed rain towers. From there, a runnel embedded with mosaic glass art carries rivulets to water steps, which feeds the Mini-Maumee installation. The Mini-Maumee is a scaled interpretation of the Maumee River and its tributaries; all are invited to paddle about barefoot, build small dams, and cool off on a hot summer day. Visually, the Mini-Maumee appears to spill into the Frog Pond where an elevated boardwalk invites visitors to sight the ten frog species found in and around Toledo, aka Frogtown! The Mini-Maumee is surrounded by a recreated Black Swamp landscape that immerse visitors in a slice of Toledo’s disappearing natural heritage. Lastly, we are working with local artists and international playground designers at the Pollinator Play and Adventure Play zones of the Metropark.
Due to pandemic protocols, team planning sessions are occurring via teleconference, and as a result, our WebEx, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Team, and Zoom skills have improved greatly! However, we do look forward to the time when we can all meet in person and share ideas while overlooking the real Maumee River and Toledo’s dynamic skyline.