Park Planet’s Best of 2024
Celebrating Park Planet’s Top Projects of 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on an incredible year filled with inspiring projects. Our Territory Manages have selected their favorite projects from this year, showcasing innovative designs, vibrant community collaboration, and unparalleled craftsmanship. We are eternally grateful to all our customers for trusting Park Planet to bring these visions to life. Here are the top five projects of 2024:
1. Misha’s Top Project: Ashland Zocalo Park, Hayward, California
Nestled in the vibrant community of Hayward, California, Ashland Zocalo Park features one of the most stunning shade structures we’ve ever had the honor to create. This custom 56’x56’x13’ shelter boasts hand-formed aluminum roof panels in bold hues of Antique Pink, Rose, and Sun Yellow. Park Planet partnered with ICON Shelter Systems and Suarez & Munoz Construction to make H.A.R.D’s (Hayward Area Recreation District) vision a reality.
Misha shares, “This is easily the most colorful and unique shade structure I’ve ever worked on. The wow factor of the shelter alone makes it one of my all-time favorite projects.”
To see this incredible structure in person, visit Ashland Zocalo Park in Hayward, California.
2. Designer’s Choice: Egret Park, Brentwood, California
While still under construction, Egret Park is already a standout project for our lead designer, Jesse Garcia. This design features our innovative NFuse panels, a striking tower structure, and a palette of natural colors to create a playful, beachy island theme. The anticipation is high for Egret Park, set to debut in Brentwood in 2025.
“I know there were a lot of cool projects this year,” says Jesse. “But Gary’s Egret Park design was the first that came to mind.”
Stay tuned for the grand unveiling of Egret Park next year!
3. Karen’s Top Project: North Ridge Park, Coralville, Iowa
At Park Planet, we pride ourselves on crafting parks that reflect the heart of their communities, and North Ridge Park in Coralville, Iowa, is no exception. This project showcased the power of community involvement, resulting in an inclusive and welcoming space for all to enjoy.
“This was such a great project to work on,” says Karen. “The community involvement was outstanding, and I’m so proud of how everything turned out.”
North Ridge Park exemplifies the positive impact of collaboration and thoughtful design.
4. Tammie’s Top Project: Dual Language Academy with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Seaside, California
This whimsical, natural-looking playground was a collaborative effort with Playit Creations, Playgrounds Plus, and Sierra Play Partners to transform the Dual Language Academy for Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Signature Playit Creations pieces, including a manmade PIP mound surrounded by artificial playground turf, and an inclusive musical tree branch allow children to create sound using their hands or other organic items.
“The site is thrilled with the new playground,” says Tammie. “The site was totally transformed.”
This playground is a shining example of creativity and inclusivity.
5. Gary’s Top Choice: Montalvin Park, San Pablo, California
Following the CPRS conference, Park Planet partnered with Contra Costa County Parks to transform Montalvin Park with a $200k budget. The project features the NFUSE net with a large shade structure and an inclusive Turbo Totter teeter totter, providing a perfect combination of adventure and accessibility.
“This customer was great to work with,” says Gary. “The park received a well-deserved improvement that will serve the community for years to come.”
Montalvin Park is a testament to how thoughtful investments can elevate community spaces.
Honorable Mention: Prairie Elementary School, Anderson, CA
Last but not least, we’re proud to highlight our honorable mention project, a Valley School Shelter’s DSA PC-approved gable lunch shelter at Prairie Elementary School for the Pacheco Unified School District. Partnering with Semingson Architecture & Engineering, Inc., we selected a shade shelter that perfectly complements the campus. Shaw Construction’s installation and site painting brought it all together. Kyle, our territory manager, shared, "It’s always wonderful working with Semingson Architects, and the site looks great with its new lunch shelter."
These projects highlight just a fraction of the incredible work accomplished this year. Each one demonstrates our dedication to designing spaces where communities can gather, play, and thrive. We look forward to 2025 and the opportunity to create even more memorable parks and playgrounds.
Thank you to everyone who made 2024 an unforgettable year at Park Planet!