Highland Park Lilac Adventure Zone

What was the Challenge?

In 2017, Barton & Loguidice completed a Master Plan Update for Monroe County Highland Park South. One of the priorities identified in the update was the redevelopment of the former Cornell Cooperative Extension site. This site represented a unique opportunity for restoration and new programming within the busy park.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

Through a collaborative process driven by public input, a plan was developed that emphasized environmental sustainability, context-sensitivity, and inclusive opportunities for healthy outdoor activity. The Lilac Adventure Zone’s nature play area features an expansion of the historic lilac collection, new accessible pathways with seating, picnic pavilions, public parking, bike racks, and an innovative nature play area. Free-form timber structures, using materials salvaged from within the county parks system, provides opportunities for kids of all ages to explore, discover, and learn by moving. The play zone encourages imagination and free play, and a variety of social spaces are embedded within the site that support multi-generational family interaction.

Why was the project a success?

Highland Park’s large lilac collection – the Adventure Zone’s namesake – draws crowds each year during the annual Lilac Festival. The Lilac Adventure Zone provides children opportunities for safe and unscripted play, while parents relax and watch their children explore the unstructured environment.