play design

MKM is committed to developing dynamic and universally accessible environments for both active and passive recreation. MKM is a founding partner of the NYC Playground program, and since 1997 has worked with the Trust for Public Land, the Mayor’s Office of Construction, and the NYCPD to design more than 50 neighborhood playgrounds.  In 2007, MKM worked with Mayor Michael R. Bloomerg to launch the “Schoolyards to Playgrounds” initiative. Our playground designs address sustainability, promote water efficiency, reuse and incorporate renewable materials and embrace plant life. We are a leader in converting asphalt lots to verdant playgrounds, and have uniformly applied LID principles to minimize construction and maintenance costs that in turn foster neighborhood stewardship. MKM was the first NYC firm to incorporate porous pavers in high-use recreational settings, a standard now embraced by several New York City agencies. 

P.S. 202

MKM completed the playground renovation project for PS202 in Brooklyn, a remarkable $4.6 million investment in the school. Encompassing 1.4 acres, the design ingeniously created an energetic and interconnected space by tilting elements and pavements at a 45-degree angle. Within this design, a dedicated courtyard provides a play area for young children, offering a safe haven for both fun and growth. To shield this vibrant space from the nearby traffic noise on Linden Boulevard, we incorporated an extensive green buffer area. This ensures that children can play and learn in a tranquil and serene environment.

McDonald Park

MKM collaborated with NYC Parks to redesign the playground at McDonald Park in Gravesend, Brooklyn. The core of the project focused on creating an engaging playground experience. We added new swings, modern play equipment, and an exciting spray play area for everyone to enjoy. We also promoted health by including an area with fitness equipment for adults. This not only encourages physical activity but also fosters a sense of community. Furthermore, the park's overall look is enhanced by more green spaces and meticulously landscaped areas. These spaces offer a peaceful escape from city life. In summary, the McDonald Playground project aims to transform the Gravesend area into a lively, recreational space that combines play, fitness, and natural beauty.

BILKENT LABORATORY & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL in ankara, turkey

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Anatolian plateau, just 10 miles west of Ankara, BLIS is part of the 1,200 acre campus of the first private modern university in Turkey established in 1984. MKM collaborated with a team of American architects to design a new elementrary school for BILKENT’s growing population. MKM design included playgrounds, athletic fields, courtyards and landscaped areas. MKM designers sought to creatively resolve topographic challenges in order to maximize usable outdoor space and play opportunities.

P.S. 152

MKM design includes new playground equipment, basketball courts, and an outdoor classroom for kids of 2-5 years. As the site has limited space, we advocated the use of ‘poured in place’ safety surface to create an open and smooth playing experience with a dynamic patterned design.

P.S. 11

Originally built in the 1950s, the existing school building will see a new addition as part of a major renovation project overseen by Omni Architects. The architecture firm reached out to MKM Landscape Architecture to spearhead the design and construction of a new playground that will provide a prominent link between the new and existing wings.

To promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, the design incorporates storm water management, use of recycled materials, and accessible gardening spaces for the students. Active play is emphasized with the inclusion of a new playground structure, running track with synthetic turf field, basketball hoops, and raised berms integrated into the plan.

SKYVIEW ON THE HUDSON - PLAYGROUND

MKM design for Skyview playground takes precedent from adventure playgrounds, and incorporates challenging timber play equipment, a large platform and slide structure with balancing poles and timber log scramble, timber stepping block and bridge clusters, and timber seesaws and swings. The woodland adventure theme is present in site furniture, such as the custom rustic gateway arbor and a tree platform serving as a shaded seating area and protection for the extensive root system of an existing oak tree.

P.S. 198

MKM completely redesigned this playground, transforming the school yard into a joyful and programmatically dense environment. The design includes a running track, a turf field, pavement marking color games, basketball courts, and play equipment. Plantings are installed in the center of the schoolyard to retain stormwater after rain events, with curbs in which seating has been integrated. Netting between the planted islands provides some shade.

PLAYGROUNDS

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

MKM has developed playgrounds and athletic fields for a diverse range of public and private clients including:

NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
NYC School Construction Authority (SCA)
NYC Trust for Public Land (TPL)
NYC Board of Health
Skyview-on-the-Hudson, Bronx
Bilkent Erzurum School, Turkey