MERIT AWARD

Represents superior accomplishment in the profession of landscape architecture.

THUNDER JUNCTION ALL ABILITIES PARK

“This project achieved the difficult and somewhat elusive goal of all-inclusive design. The jury appreciated the attention to detail both in creative custom play features, as well as the memorable and playful elements such as the volcano structure to the mosaic gateway. The play value provided is outstanding and consideration to all users in the jury’s opinion will have a real and lasting impact to the community and greater region.”

— ASLA Colorado Awards Jury

Overall Site

Drone photo showing a plan view of the overall layout of the main portion of the Thunder Junction All Abilities Park.

Playground Perspective

Drone photo showing a perspective view of the playground portion of the site. The volcano is the main focal point of the playground. This image also shows the dinosaur shapes in the playground surfacing.

Main Entry Perspective

Drone photo showing the main entrance into the park.

2-5 Year Area

2-5 year old area of the playground though all ages and abilities use the play equipment.

Playground Area 1

Playground area with train depot in the background.

Erupting Volcano

The rumbling volcano is erupting fog to add to the sensory element of the park. The Jurassic fort is connected to the volcano structure and is wheelchair accessible from inside the volcano.

Train

The 1/4 scale train is wheelchair accessible and is a very popular element among park goers. The cost is only $1 per ride. The train conductors and engineers are volunteers.

Water Feature

Two tier waterfall flows to the center of the water feature. The train goes behind the top tier. The other side of the water feature has a T-Rex skull protruding from faux rock with water flowing out of its mouth.

Main Entry Mural

The "Hands that Built the Park" main entry mural showcases the hands or sometimes feet of the local special needs community. The tunnel ceiling depicts a Jurassic scene.

Playground Area 2

Playground area with volcano overlooking the site. Trixie the Triceratops slide is in the middle ground.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is an iconic seven acre park located in St. George. This uniquely creative project took approximately 3 years to design and build at a cost of $5.5 million. The park’s theme is “Dinosaurs in a Desert Oasis” with a train. The playground features a variety of universally accessible play equipment, a large iconic shade structure disguised as a rumbling and erupting volcano, a Jurassic fort, iconic dinosaur sculptures, an interactive waterfall feature, sensory garden with musical instruments, a wheelchair accessible ¼ scale train, train depot, shade structures, restrooms, concession stand, and beautifully landscaped surroundings.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park was specifically planned, designed, and constructed to provide opportunities for the special needs community living within Southern Utah. This iconic park was designed to allow those of all abilities to play, experience, and explore together regardless of their physical or mental abilities. Thunder Junction is an incredibly unique facility that offers an environment full of rich sensory experiences, iconic structures, and creative landscape architectural treatments. Key principles driving the park design were accessibility, inclusion, creativity, and innovation.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT’S ROLE

The project landscape architects came up with the original concept for the park and then reached out to the community for input. The community was specifically given the opportunity to be involved with the development of the park in an effort to create awareness, support, and inclusion. Through extensive community consultation, it was determined that this park could serve the special needs community on many levels. These included not only play, but therapy, rehabilitation, employment, and training. The project landscape architects then took much of what they had learned through the needs of the community and moved into the design development phase of the project. Creative, unique, and iconic ideas were then developed and integrated into the overall plan and then presented to City management for review and approval. Specific programs were then developed and marketed to help raise funds towards the development of the project. Detailed construction plans were then developed with the assistance of a variety of professional consultants working within their respective professions and the project was then bid. It was determined early on in the project that the landscape architects would take the lead project management role during the construction process to ensure the execution of the original project vision was maintained and achieved. The project landscape architects successfully directed the design and construction of this iconic project working with engineers, architects, artists, sculptures, and a diverse group of contractors.

PROJECT IMPORTANCE

Landscape Architects led the project from initial concept design through to final construction. They also played a lead design and project management role while working with other professional consultants within their independent specialties. Their leadership provided creative direction and maintained the design integrity throughout the project’s development.
Innovative and creative design solutions were developed and used to solve complex and unique challenges associated with the site and the project scope of works.
The park includes a multitude of creative and iconic elements that provide a rich sensory experience unique to the Southern Utah region, its history, and culture.
Thunder Junction has been designed and constructed to specifically accommodate people with special needs and abilities so that they can play side by side with family and friends as they explore and experience the park together.
The park and its development provided increased awareness and inclusion for those with special needs and their families.
The design and programming of the park also provides opportunities for therapy, rehabilitation, employment, and training for those with special needs.
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is unique from other all abilities parks in that the playground isn’t based on pre-manufactured post and platform play structures. In fact the use of off-the-shelf post and platform play pieces was specifically avoided. Another thing that sets this park apart from others is the level of detail and care that went into planning, design, and construction. This park truly has been a labor of love for all those who have been involved in the park’s creation.
This is a high profile project that received much recognition and media exposure related to the profession of Landscape Architecture.