Playing for keeps
At Murphy’s Arts District
Murphy Arts District’s Playscape opened May 19 and immediately became an integral part of El Dorado’s entertainment destination concept. As our country’s president might say: It’s the biggest, best, most wonderful Playscape in Arkansas, and maybe in the mid-South.
But seriously, it’s an exquisite addition to Murphy Arts District, and will draw kids like nothing you have ever seen.
The standout feature of the park is a giant red Razorback sitting atop of what looks like a dwarf’s castle. It’s in the middle of a large concrete pad with hidden water injectors that will surely be a kid-crowded feature. As those 20-foot squirts of water spray upward on a hot July day, it will make a lot of adults wish they were kids again, and will likely create a new job called “gate watcher” to control the number of kids.
This water feature not only has a super-sized Razorback, but within the water spray area a mix of steel and aluminum green palms gives an added ambience. The surrounding landscaping creates such a pleasing atmosphere that it makes you wonder if it was always there since it has such a natural look.
Playscape also has restrooms, swimsuit changing rooms, and water fountains.
Along the outside of the Playscape enclosure, 20- to 30-foot trees have been planted in sidewalks along Hill Street, and within the park multiple trees and plants cover a large area. With the diversity and quality of the landscaping, as well as the pleasingto-the-eye view from the street, the MAD Playscape will surely set a high standard for future children’s parks in our state. Flagstone walkways, boulders (real and artificial), and a mix of mulch and wood chips add extra sparkle to one of the best overall landscaping jobs in the mid-South.
Playscape is encircled by a handsome eight-foot black wrought-iron fence with the same wrought iron circling the water feature. Both have gates to control the crowds which will undoubtedly descend on the park. On the east side of the park, which if left alone would view railroad tracks and some rather unattractive background buildings, there’s a brown eight-foot paneled privacy wall with an interesting texture, which adds another positive feature to the park.
On the north end of Playscape there are a series of tunnels, sawedoff pole steps, and slides that will keep some of the more athletic kids hopping from pole to pole; if they fall it will be in heavy mulch to cushion them.
It wouldn’t be a children’s park without a series of elevated climbing slides with dual tunnels, steps and other rope-related features with colorful additions to highlight the Natural State’s diverse wildlife. The tops and sides of these play areas have metal replicas of deer, bear, and elk on one feature and moose and a bobcat on another. In between, giant metal dragonflies are sculpted butterflies.
A smaller part of the Playscape will draw musically inclined kids like bees to honey. Within a circular area around 20 feet in diameter, there are five pieces of what look like organ pipes. They seem to be stainless steel, and it’s obvious they are meant to be played using a center play station. While many children’s play areas have slides, tunnels, and other attractions that cater to athletic kids, few have elements specifically designed for youngsters with a creative streak. This part of the Playscape will have kids standing in line to be a musician.
Another highlight is a series of bright neon-yellow angled poles that form a low zipline for younger kids who aren’t ready for some of the more adventuresome parts of the Playscape.
The park makes a very clear statement; it isn’t an afterthought, but a substantial entertainment destination, and will stand alone as a reason to visit the area. However, what’s most impressive is the overall theme of Playscape, which is to highlight the Natural State.
Playscape is conveniently located across the street from the new MAD Farmers Market. On May 12 it officially opened with a large crowd and a full house of vendors offering locally grown produce along with organic meats and fresh unfiltered honey.
The Market, sheltered under a large open canopy adjacent to the MAD Amphitheater, is open from 8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Saturdays during the growing season. As I watched a period-dressed young lady spin wool using an old-fashioned spinning wheel and the master chef from the Griffin Restaurant holding forth as some very good music played through the great speakers of the amphitheater, I knew this Farmers Market had a special twist.
I talked with Austin Barrow, president of El Dorado Festivals and Events, who was quick to point out that as the growing season gets into full swing, the Market will be extended all the way down the east side of the MAD Amphitheater and under a second large canopy. Live music will be a part of the expansion. The crowd of opening-day customers assured the vendors of excellent sales. Some sold out well before the noon closing.
With MAD Farmers Market, MAD PlayScape, Griffin Restaurant, Griffin Music Hall, and MAD Amphitheater now open, Phase One of the MAD Entertainment Destination is complete. Stand by for Phase Two: the MAD Art Museum and the crown jewel of the entertainment complex, the Grand Rialto Theater.
Richard Mason is a registered professional geologist, downtown developer, former chairman of the Department of Environmental Quality Board of Commissioners, past president of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, and syndicated columnist. Email richard@ gibraltarenergy.com.