Page Architects & Muralist Help Bring Urban Playground to Life

A new playground in the heart of downtown Dallas is coming to life, thanks in great part to the 2012 class of the AIA Dallas Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), of which two Page employees are members. Michelle Northington and David Shively participated in the fundraising, design and construction of the non-profit playground project for CityWalk@ Akard, a mixed-use building which provides low-income housing as well as residences for the formerly homeless.

The playground has been constructed on an unused loading dock at the building, and provides the only safe recreation area for the children who live there. According to Michelle, “This project has been the most rewarding and fun opportunity I have had the privilege to be a part of.”  

At the end of the first phase, Page architect and artist Chris Creel volunteered his time and talents to create a mural for the playground. Chris, who has designed and painted murals in other areas of Dallas, temporarily dismissed his fear of heights to paint the mural near the entrance.

CityWalk Playground is a collaborative project between CitySquare and the CDCDC (Central Dallas Community Development Corporation) and comprises two phases:

Phase I, “The Box,” has been completed and includes the major construction of the space (new storefront systems, walls, built-up floors, doors, windows, ramp/railing, lighting, mechanical units, and paint).

Phase II consists of playground equipment, flooring, a mural, a donor wall, built-in shelving, and other small play toys for the kids.

Completion of the project is not yet determined, as the ELP team is dependent on companies and organizations which are willing to donate their time, products, and resources. For more information, please visit the project website.