Colliers Engineering & Design is honored to highlight the Ontario Beach Park Spray Park and Playground project, which recently received the Top Project Award for 2024 from the Rochester Business Journal. This transformative project reflects Colliers Engineering & Design’s commitment to accessible and sustainable design and highlights the power of collaborative public spaces that enhance community wellness and environmental equity.

A Design for Inclusivity and Connection

Colliers Engineering & Design’s involvement in the Ontario Beach Park project spanned the entire development process, from initial conditions analysis and design development to cost estimating and construction management. Working closely with Monroe County Parks and the City of Rochester, the project team integrated best practices in inclusive design and sustainability into the historic 1.7-acre park. This collaboration enables them to create two, distinct, yet inclusive, play areas: a spray park and an enhanced playground that connect seamlessly for ease of access and mobility.

“The unique feature of this project is its inclusive connectivity,” explained Thomas Robinson, a Planning Design Manager at Colliers Engineering & Design and the project manager for this project. “We merged new accessible play elements with an existing playground layout, preserving popular equipment while introducing ADA-compliant ramps, resilient surfacing, and interactive features.”

Sustainable, Climate-Resilient Public Spaces

Sustainability was a cornerstone of Colliers Engineering & Design’s approach, and the project features innovative use of environmentally friendly materials and climate-conscious design. Resilient surfacing made from recycled automobile tires provides a safe, durable play area, while energy-efficient pumps and water conservation measures were implemented in the spray park. Additionally, Colliers Engineering & Design included mature, existing trees in the design ensuring that their natural cooling effects would create a heat refuge during the summer.

“The playground was designed around existing tree canopies,” said Robinson. “These mature trees act as natural air conditioners, providing shade and cooling for the play area, which means we’re not only enhancing playability but also helping mitigate urban heat island effects.”

Balancing Modern Needs with Historic Preservation

As Ontario Beach Park is over 100 years old, Colliers Engineering & Design’s design team worked thoughtfully to preserve its historic landscape and views, particularly in areas surrounding beloved features like the iconic carousel. Integrating the new splash pad’s infrastructure with the park’s existing, older utilities presented unique challenges – a complex task expertly managed by Colliers Engineering & Design’s Eric Shaw, Landscape Architecture Geographic Discipline Leader.

“Working with century-old infrastructure meant adapting our plans around hidden pipes and outdated systems, a challenge we met with careful planning and collaboration,” Robinson explained. “Integrating these modern amenities without disturbing the historic charm was crucial to maintaining the park’s character.”

A Model for Future Inclusive Design

As Monroe County upgrades its 22-park system, Ontario Beach Park stands as a model for inclusive, resilient public space. This project, Monroe County’s first inclusive spray park, exemplifies the county’s commitment to making parks more accessible, climate-conscious, and community-centered. Recognized as one of the RBJ’s Top Projects this year, this award highlights how the collaborative design and construction have not only enhanced a historic lakeshore park but also set a new standard for community impact.

“This park plays a critical role as a heat refuge and a gathering space for families and residents of all abilities,” Robinson said. “Projects like these reflect our approach to public design: setting a high bar and working closely with our clients to bring that vision to life. We’re proud that this award-winning project demonstrates the value of inclusive design for all Monroe County residents.”