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Mazes, tunnels, slides planned for Commons play area
BY PAUL MINNIS pminnis@therepublic.com
Details of the future Commons playground are coming into tighter focus, with plans unveiled for a tiered system of indoor mounds, tunnels, slides and mazes.
Designers presented those and other structural details of The Commons during public input sessions Wednesday at Columbus City Hall.
Some details still are evolving, including how much to rely on energy efficient materials, equipment and design to reduce ongoing operational costs.
Steve Risting of CSO Architects said the building will be energy efficient, regardless of the details. He said even a green roof is possible, but all such amenities will depend on how much money remains after base construction costs are figured.
The building can cost no more than $18 million. Plans call for it to open sometime in 2010.
Tubular
Playground designs call for the red tube that use to lie horizontally to be put upright and made an integral part of the fun.
The climbing structure will be built away from the wall instead of against it. The playground will have different elevations and play areas for different age groups of children.
Audience member Jeffery Stewig asked if the climber, which consists of wavy platforms, will be sturdy enough to be safe.
Lynn Wolff, president of Copley Wolff Design Group of Boston, assured him it will. He said the platforms will be solid, and nets will encase the structure.
The playground floor will be recycled, spongy rubber and feel like that at Freedom Field near Parkside Elementary School.
BY PAUL MINNIS pminnis@therepublic.com
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