Camden Park, set to open in Spring 2025, will feature a vibrant children’s play area designed to offer fun and safety for families. This 12,000-square-foot space will be packed with creative play elements that cater to a wide range of ages and abilities.
Design and features
“We wanted to create a space that encourages exploration and imagination,” said Chip Trageser, partner at OJHB and the park’s architect. “Central to the play area is a multilevel spiral pathway surrounding a treehouse. The top of the treehouse will also have covered seating for parents to relax while supervising their child’s play,” said Trageser.
The design offers various routes and viewpoints and will include a wooden boardwalk with railings and a netting, offering a safe path for children to explore, according to Tregeser. The boardwalk will lead to an oversized wooden hummingbird, a unique feature where kids can climb over and under its colorful wings.
Interactive and natural elements
Playground in progress: The treehouse shell with its covered rooftop seating and a tunnel ready for future adventures is shown in this construction photo.
The play area will also include natural features such as brightly painted timbers, rock outcroppings, grassy berms with tunnels, sandpits and large boulders for climbing. A water feature, sponsored by CenterPoint Energy, will feature pumps, troughs, and a water wheel for interactive play.
“We aimed to blend natural and interactive elements,” Trageser said. “This makes the space not only fun but also educational.” The play area will include spinners, climbers and a bouncy play surface to keep kids engaged.
Trageser added, “Camden Park is going to have the best playground in town.”
Safety and Comfort
Safety is a priority, with a fence securing the play area and a landscaping buffer for protection as well as a single entry and exit point. Mature Bald Cypress and Live Oak trees, transplanted from Beltway 8, will provide shade and create a more natural environment. The play area will feature natural wood chips for the play surface instead of rubber surfacing.
The park will also have two restrooms, a hand-washing station and a water fountain to ensure convenience for families. “We’ve designed the space with safety and accessibility in mind,” said Louis Jullien, director of open spaces for Westchase District. “It’s important for children and parents to have a comfortable and safe environment.”
Additional Amenities
Storytime sanctuary: A rendering illustrates the shaded reading room at the base of the treehouse.
The children’s play area will also include a rock-climbing wall and slide similar to the features at Woodchase Park. There will also be a covered area for birthday parties, a reading room sponsored by BGE Inc. and seating throughout the space for families to relax. The reading room will offer a book cart and potential programming in collaboration with libraries and educational institutions.
Camden Park promises to be a unique addition to Westchase District, providing a fun, safe and engaging environment for children and families. For more updates, follow Camden Park on Facebook and Instagram @camdenparkwestchase.