Orchid 
The Tecolote Shores Park South Playground improvements transformed a dilapidated, outdated playground into a vibrant recreational destination that is the most universally accessible playground within the City of San Diego Parks system.
The playground design draws inspiration from the adjacent coastline with the forms of the bay including play ‘coves’ and ‘bays.’ A central, planted ‘island’ is designed to provide a plethora of opportunities for joint and parallel play between children of all abilities. The playground is truly unique in its approach to inclusive play. The feature element is a raised, planted play mound at the center of the playground which provides accessible pathways to the highest points of each play structure, allowing children of all abilities and supervising parents alike to accompany their friends and children to the tops of slides and peaks of outlooks. Additional accessible amenities include a wheelchair-accessible carousel, accessible swings, and even an accessible zip line. The new restroom provides child-height accessible amenities to users.
The ‘coves and bays’ theme created the opportunity to integrate soft landscape elements within the playground to create a “play garden” experience. Shade structures were included over play structures and canopy trees were planted to provide additional shade over time.