Grams Park

HKGi provided planning and design services for a new a nature play area at Grams Regional Park. The new play area replaces a recently-removed playground, and is sited in a new location so tree removal was not necessary and the health of a beautiful heritage oak nearby can be more easily maintained.

Features of the nature play area include a Storywalk path and an emphasis on ADA-accessibility and inclusive play elements. The Active Nature Playground concept features willow huts, wheelchair-accessible play features, a “Burrow” tunnel also sized for wheelchair access, and other custom-designed climbing, balancing, and imaginative play elements. The project also includes internal trail work and the design and construction of a Romtec picnic shelter.

HKGi’s services on this project included conducting initial concept planning, grant writing support, SD/DD/CD design leadership, bid support, play element sourcing, and construction administration.

Project partners, all of whom did fantastic work bringing to life the new nature play area, include our client, Sherburne County Public Works, and the rest of the design and installation team, SafetyFirst Playground Maintenance, Whole Trees, Cheeriup, Romtec, and Landscape Structures.

This project received a Merit Award in 2025 for General Design from ASLA-MN. View the awards page to learn more: https://aslamn.org/awards/grams-park