Warren Riverview Park in Derby

The Challenge

Previously, Warren Riverview Park was a public works yard and contaminated dump site. The site’s 12-foot bluff on the Arkansas River made access difficult for fishing, kayaking and limited the river view.

Other than being unsightly, waste from oil and street salt caused public health and safety considerations. The City of Derby participated in the Voluntary Cleanup and Property Redevelopment Program (VCPRP). The site was transformed by removal of the contaminated soil and terracing to open up views and access to the river.

The Process

Gathering a team

In 2016 WDM worked with the city of Derby to create Madison Avenue Central Park and started planning Warren Riverview Park.

As a completely unique park that required considerable planning and design, WDM engaged the community to understand their needs and goals for the space. Derby community members and Public Works Department staff came together as a a Park Advisory Committee that met with WDM. Over the course of several months, the group formulated ideas, received feedback from the community via social media, and continued to make revisions until coming to a final design. SWT Design from St. Louis was part of the concepting team.

“To do something special, like Warren Riverview Park, someone has to lead … and has to be able to take a vision and explain that vision to a community to build support for something special. It is all about quality of life: Do something special.” — Dan Wilson, Project Pincipal-in-Charge, WDM Architects

The Army Corp of Engineers controls the Arkansas River as a major waterway. So, plans that included the new water’s edge, site drainage and handling of floodwater had to be submitted and approved by the Corp. They are extremely interested in any project that improves safe, recreational, public access to rivers and lakes.

Monument sign: From sketch to reality

New Park and Event Venue

The completely unique park design fits this site and displays the natural beauty of the river corridor while providing a welcoming gateway to the city of Derby. WDM’s park design includes opportunities for many types of events, public and private. The open lawn area is large enough to accommodate a small scout jamboree. A terraced lawn and grand stair case leading down to the paved river promenade becomes a likely place for a riverside concert or for skipping stones and enjoy the sunsets. Kids can climb on the rope obstacle course or hunt for small creatures living in the bioswale or dry stream bed.

The Lodge

The Lodge has a place of prominence in the park with sweeping river views. Built in the rustic style of park lodges found in Yellowstone or Yosemite, it has heavy timber beams, slate-style roof, stacked stone columns, grand fireplace and lots of glass. The 1,400-square-foot hall seats up to 80 at tables or 90 theatre-style and has audio/visual capabilities. It’s the right size to host small events or conferences. All park guests can access the exterior restrooms.

Adventure playground

Located away from the water’s edge, the adventure playground is designed for kids 5-12.

“We wanted to create a space for older kids,” notes Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works for the City of Derby. “Every other park in town caters to little kids, but those over 12 can enjoy these climbing structures.”

The playground is not flat, it has highly sculptured slopes that are perfect to roll down, slide down or race toy cars down. In the center of the playground is a 15’ tall climbing tower on a hill. The tower is surrounded by a network of spider-web-like cables, so kids can make a complete circuit around the course without ever touching the ground. Rubber belting positioned throughout the structure gives kids spots to stop and hang out with friends.

Around the perimeter of the cable-tower, realistic climbing boulders made of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) have fossil-like stamps and hand-holds for climbing. A steep slope on the east edge of the playground is covered in artificial turf topped with a limestone ledge which is a great vantage point for parents to sit, visit and keep an eye on the kids.

Safety considerations for fall impact

Artificial turf over shock-absorbing foam padding and poured in-place, seamless rubber cover most of the floor of the playground. These are installed at different thicknesses for fall protection from various climbing heights. These durable surface coverings have the benefit of being virtually maintenance-free and are antimicrobial, antistatic, seamless and perforated for rain drainage. The turf’s pad base is made of 100% recycled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) mixed with high-grade polyurethane; recycled content counts for up to 7 LEED points.