Verona Park: Playground Redesign

The Essex County Park System is one of the oldest and most expansive in the state of New Jersey. One of the jewels of the system, Verona Park, is the 5th largest park, spanning 54 acres. The park has a lake at its center with a concession and meeting space, walking/jogging paths, green space, courts, a children’s garden and a playground. A destination park for the county, a variety of improvements had been made and the time had come to upgrade the fifteen-year-old playground. 

Arterial had to address a number of issues with the existing playground that included the site’s topography, under-utilized shade pavilion and decentralized play areas. By leveling out a central area for the new playground, an ‘adventure hill’ was created towards the back of the playground that stands over eight feet tall. This ‘adventure hill’ incorporates slides and several different climbing apparatuses that create a unique and imaginative play feature that spans most of the length of the playground. A continuous path along the top of the ‘adventure hill’ weaves the various elements of the park together, including the shade pavilion that was previously disconnected. Age appropriate play equipment is provided to allow both the younger and older children the opportunity for safe play on various components. Other elements include: a rubberized safety surface, a new fence and sidewalks, a seat wall and benches.