Sneak Peek: Innovative New Playground at Montclair YMCA
Montclair Art and Design students evolve children’s play at YMCA
Posted in: Announcements
![Students working on YMCA Playground project](/responsive-media/cache/art-and-design/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/09/IMG_1455.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
The Geyer Family YMCA and the Department of Art and Design at Montclair State University have collaborated in the design, fabrication and installation of an inventive playground located directly behind the Geyer Family YMCA. Scheduled to open this Fall, the playground will include a creative approach to inclusive and synergistic play.
![YMCA Playground rendering](/responsive-media/cache/art-and-design/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/09/overview-shot.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
In an era where obesity is becoming more of an issue for children, Evans also commends the playground’s goals of encouraging active play for children. He states, “Forming healthy habits at a young age puts children on a path to improved health outcomes.”
![YMCA playground models on display in gallery](/responsive-media/cache/art-and-design/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/09/IMG_9317-1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![student showing model of playground](/responsive-media/cache/art-and-design/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/09/IMG_1444-1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![YMCA Playground visualizations](/responsive-media/cache/art-and-design/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/09/IMG_20190925_142352-1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![YMCA Playground diagrams](/responsive-media/cache/art-and-design/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/09/IMG_20190925_142423-1.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![students working on playground project in shop](/responsive-media/cache/art-and-design/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/09/IMG_1443.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![students working on project in shop](/responsive-media/cache/art-and-design/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/09/IMG_1457.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
Nicolas Sarmiento ‘20, Industrial Design
Wenci Huang ‘20, Industrial Design
Jackson Yeakel ‘20, Industrial Design
Sona Bayrami ‘19, Visual Arts
Stephanie Romano ‘21, Visual Communications Design.
Montclair Professor Gary Fredriksen says of the project, “We also wanted to include unique elements that connect the playground to the Montclair community.” This playground is in the works for any child who has been affiliated with the YMCA as well as serving as a public playground.