Gould Evans
Within our cities, there still exist pockets of Florida’s natural landscape; those few places where wildlife finds refuge from the urban context. This is one of those places. Here, typical Florida Flatwoods exist harmoniously within the city. Our journey began with uncovering its potential beauty and turning it into an amenity. This mission, coupled with the city’s commitment to growth and thoughtful design, allowed us to create a place that not only increases a community’s quality of life but its sense of pride.
The strategy for the site, a new “Monument for Play,” was to nestle the building adjacent to the Flatwoods without infringing upon it. The building becomes an extension of the Flatwoods through its materiality and architectural language. The entry lobby creates a central space allowing the facility to open itself to the landscape. The architecture accommodates the visitor by allowing direct views to outdoor activities such as the aquatic center, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball field, and the forest’s new trails.
The Recreation Center and Complex is a 22-acre park located in Largo, Florida. It consists of a 45,000 sf Recreation Building that is connected to an existing aquatic center. The facility also includes two gymnasiums, an indoor running track, fitness center, program rooms, party rooms, and a child play area complete with a 3-story tree house climber. Additional site work involved the redesign of parking areas, tennis courts, a new multipurpose green space, and exterior jogging trails.
The City was very clear about its desire to create a place that encourages citizens to get out, play, and get fit. This moment for play presents so many outlets of fun and stimulation, you cannot help but want to get moving and “Play.”
The strategy for the site, a new “Monument for Play,” was to nestle the building adjacent to the Flatwoods without infringing upon it. The building becomes an extension of the Flatwoods through its materiality and architectural language. The entry lobby creates a central space allowing the facility to open itself to the landscape. The architecture accommodates the visitor by allowing direct views to outdoor activities such as the aquatic center, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball field, and the forest’s new trails.
The Recreation Center and Complex is a 22-acre park located in Largo, Florida. It consists of a 45,000 sf Recreation Building that is connected to an existing aquatic center. The facility also includes two gymnasiums, an indoor running track, fitness center, program rooms, party rooms, and a child play area complete with a 3-story tree house climber. Additional site work involved the redesign of parking areas, tennis courts, a new multipurpose green space, and exterior jogging trails.
The City was very clear about its desire to create a place that encourages citizens to get out, play, and get fit. This moment for play presents so many outlets of fun and stimulation, you cannot help but want to get moving and “Play.”
