On the shores of Hempstead Bay on Long Island, the new Garvies Point neighbourhood has been built on a former industrial site. Along an inlet, there is a promenade, apartments, restaurants and open spaces – including a playground that has quickly become the area’s landmark: Garvies Point Playground with its distinctive Dalbentower by Kaiser & Kühne.
The location – residential area, promenade and playground at Hempstead Bay
Garvies Point is located in Glen Cove, NY, right on the waterfront. The development of the site has been a topic of discussion in the city for decades: a formerly heavily polluted industrial wasteland has been transformed into a new, mixed-use neighbourhood with apartments, parks and access to the bay.
The playground is located at the edge of a large lawn, overlooking the waterfront promenade and Glen Cove Creek. Behind it are wooded areas, while the surrounding residential buildings give the place the character of a small village.
The task – a playground as a visible landmark
The landscape architecture firm MPFP deliberately did not want a ‘typical’ urban playground with the usual mix of swings, slides and climbing frames for Garvies Point. They were looking for a striking vertical play structure that would be visible from anywhere in the neighbourhood and magically attract children.
The planning team therefore approached European manufacturers with the aim of finding an extraordinary tower that would stand out from the ordinary and give the neighbourhood its own playful signature.
Our solution – Dalbentower and play equipment from Kaiser & Kühne
Through our long-standing partner Goric, MPFP came across the Dalbentowers from Kaiser & Kühne. Working closely together, suitable variants, colour accents and additional play equipment were selected and technically tailored to the project. Goric developed the specifications and provided support with plans, CAD data and approvals in accordance with North American standards.
The following items are used at Garvies Point Playground, among others:
A Dalbentower with a high tunnel slide as the vertical centerpiece
additional climbing and exercise equipment for different age groups
rotating play equipment such as the Whirlwind supplied by Goric
- separate play areas for younger children with lower platforms and more easily accessible elements
The tower forms the centerpiece of the playground, visible from afar – children climb up nets and platforms and whizz back down again through the tunnel slide. The other equipment complements the range of activities on offer, including balancing, spinning, hanging and rolling.
Significance for the neighbourhood and urban society
The history of the site – from contaminated industrial land to newly developed urban quarter – made the project politically sensitive. The playground was intended to visibly demonstrate that Garvies Point is more than just a residential development: it is a place for families, social interaction and public amenity.
Shortly after opening, Garvies Point Playground became a favourite spot for children and families from Glen Cove. The Dalbentower with its striking silhouette and tunnel slide has become the landmark of the entire playground – just as the planning team had envisioned.
Source note: The project description is based on the article ‘Goric’s Towering Pyramid Gives Garvies Point a Signature Playground’ published by Goric Marketing Group USA, Inc. and Goric’s project page ‘Garvies Point Playground’. Goric Marketing Group USA, Inc.
