Let's Play!

 LOOKING AT PLAYGROUNDS IN COPENHAGEN

Copenhageners take their fun time seriously.

The parks and playgrounds reflect the design of age-inclusive spaces. I went around the city looking for playgrounds and I realized that all the playgrounds are designed to fit the needs of the residents and immediate context. They take time to design, carefully addressing the complex urban fabric.

Playground 1: Kejserinde Dagmars Plads 

(C, Den Grønne Sti, 1950 Frederiksberg, Denmark)

I entered the park from the station side (Frederiksberg), which was busy and noisy. You would never think there was a park on the opposite side of the road. A green buffer space separated the park from the busy road and station. There was seating out front next to the road for people to sit, play, talk and socialize. The people I saw sitting out there were elderly men and women sipping their late afternoon drinks. (Seemed rude to take pictures of that!)

Entrance to the park

The neighborhood park was nestled within a high-density residential area. The apartment overlooked the park, having 'eyes on the street' or in this case 'eyes on the park'. I saw parents sitting in their outdoor balcony space, and their kids playing in the park as well as parents accompanying their kids to the park. There seemed to be a lot going on for the tiny humans to engage and play within that small pocket of land. 

The two-way bike lane was on one side of the park, next to a fenced boundary. This worked perfectly to keep the tiny humans safe from the cyclists who zoomed past to get to places without breaking the visual connection between the two.

There was a court adjoining the playground for those trying to get their practice in with their parents. This little girl was getting her shots right with her father in the court. As much as I tried not to listen, it was endearing to hear her -very loudly- telling herself that she can do it. 

One of the best innovations I admired was the tilted dustbin for cyclists. It is angled just right for someone on their cycle to throw trash without stopping. Taking pictures of this earned me a couple of curious and weird looks, but it was so worth it!

 

On the other side of the park was the pedestrian walkway.

 

Cars were parked further away to keep all three users separate and safe.

This was a perfect example of a park in a high-dense urban setting.

Playground 2 : Brumleby Legeplads

(Brumleby, 2100 København, Denmark)

The crooked house playground! It was an absolute pleasure to get to this playground and watch people with their kids. It is located inside the Brumleby residential area and so it almost felt like I was encroaching the gated residential community.

Entrance to the park

                           

Brumleby has been around since the 1800s when its was a marketplace with slaughterhouse. Now, its a quiet and serene housing community with communal spaces in between. The playground is a way to remind Brumleby's old past - a visual treat for the adults and a fun play space for the little humans. I later found out that the three crooked houses represent three houses, a baker shop and an ice cream booth.

The sprawling green grass across from the playground is a great picnic spot for the residents.

The wide sidewalks were busy during the rush hours. This was taken just before the rush started.

The six-lane wide cycle lane is a perfect spot for socializing with the benches in between. The traffic is made to slow down (single lane each way). This neighborhood was well connected to the public transit and had a strong biking infrastructure.

Residential layout

Playground 3 : Legepladsen på Århus Plads

(Århus Pl. 2-6, 2100 København, Denmark)

The neighborhood park is located on a triangular edge between Århusgade and Løgstørgade, which is surrounded by three or four storey apartments.

I loved this parking around the tree which was perfect for the neighborhood's scale and context.

The park's theme is little pirate; there is a large capsized pirate ship with climbing wall, crawling barrel and a steep slide. There is also a treasure chest next to it. It really brings out the kids' imagination. 

There is a football/ basketball court next to the pirate park. 

There are benches and picnic tables in the park - perfect for parents watching their tiny humans play. The elderly prefer these spaces to socialize and catch-up with their group of friends.

There's something for everyone here! The sandy play area is a favorite among the tiny humans! All the toys are communal and it is a great way to teach sharing and caring from such an early age.

This park being in a prime location catering to both the neighborhoods is definitely worth a visit!

Playground 4 : The little boat

(MHRJ+64, 2100 København, Denmark)

The little boat playground is part of a much bigger recreational area as part of the
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst. The little boat in itself is a fascinating play area for the tiny humans - the wooden planks and seating as well as the creek flowing next to it only add to the realistic experience.

The park next to it borders the residential area and is fit for all age groups. The swings on crossbars are great for both uses. The blue flooring is made of rubber to cushion the fall and for the safety of the tiny users.

The path to the park is scenic and peaceful. Not much of a crowd in the evening, just the occasional locals walking their furry friends.

The trampoline is a staple across all parks in Copenhagen, I've come to realize. So is the fenced court.

The slides and crossbars with wooden stumps across the playground is open for interpretation.

The fun stairs and climbing slopes were also designed for all ages!

I had a great time exploring all these hidden treasures!

                         

                       

I could have spent hours in here, going up and down. The trees in between only added to the mystery and charm.

Playground 5 : Konditaget Lüders

(P-hus Lüders på Helsinkigade, Helsinkigade 30, 2150 København, Denmark)

North of Copenhagen, a new neighborhood is making its mark with an alternative social space and playground on the rooftop of a multi-story car park. Rosing 24m above the ground, this roof has something for everyone - trampolines, swings, climbing structure (with rubber flooring to cushion the fall)

Stairs leading up to the rooftop playground. Durable materials like concrete and steel are used in construction. The rustic metal facade and the red concrete add character to the building.

For a Sunday morning, it was a good crowd. There were people getting their weekly workouts on box jumps, trampolines, and outdoor gym.

The climbing spiral looked really fun for all ages

The seating niches and trellis added to the charm while also providing some privacy from the crowd.

There were so many different types of swings for all age groups!

This seamless detail was worth noting! The bright red rubber carpet is also permeable to allow water to drain through the layered roof structure.

The building across the street had a fun shading facade that also supported the balcony. It almost looked like a caddy or a basket hung on the wall. No two balconies had the same profile angles!