Case Study: Creating Commercial Landscapes to Match Modern Parks & Playgrounds

As a property manager of a park or municipal landscaping, you have a large site to manage and a lot of safety concerns to worry about.

For large parks districts, your municipal team may need to modernize and create functional and inviting spaces for community residents. The number of factors you must consider to create the right low-maintenance play structures for your space is vast.You can’t let down the neighborhood by building something that doesn’t meet the site-specific constraints, existing infrastructure, or safety requirements.

Table of Contents

• The Challenges & Solutions of Landscaping for Parks
• Challenge #1: Limited Space and Existing Infrastructure
• Challenge #2: Budget Constraints
• Challenge #3: Weather-Related Delays
• Challenge #4: Ensuring Community Buy-In
• Challenge #5: Balancing Aesthetics With Functionality
• Challenge #6: Safety & Compliance
• Redmond Parks Project Results

Creating a functional and inviting space is what KD Landscape did for Redmond Recreational Complex in Bensenville, Illinois. The playground installation project was completed in 2024, with a grand opening on June 6.

Let’s dive into the goals and objectives of this landscaping for parks project and how KD Landscape made the customer’s vision a reality.

About Redmond Recreational Complex

The 88-acre Redmond Recreational Complex offers something for the entire family. Area residents can enjoy various indoor and outdoor sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, figure skating, and hockey.

In addition to these activities, the park boasts a 1.1-mile walking path that is great for jogging, biking, or strolling along the Redmond reservoir. Extreme sports enthusiasts can even enjoy the skate park, specifically designed to mimic all of the elements of parking lots, street curbs, stairway railings, and other board-friendly areas.

The park wanted to create an amenities space along with a modern design playground.

Being one of the only certified installers for Landscape Structures, Inc., which is the manufacturer of the playground equipment Redmond preferred, and also being a certified playground safety inspector (CPSI), KD Landscape got the opportunity to interview with the client for the landscaping for parks job.

The Challenges & Solutions of Landscape Maintenance & Installation for Parks

The client sought to modernize Redmond Park by creating a functional and inviting space for the community.

Their needs included integrating durable, low-maintenance amenities that could withstand heavy use while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Accessibility and safety were also priorities to ensure the municipal landscaping space was welcoming for all visitors.

One of the highlights of the project was the installation of a state-of-the-art playground structure designed to provide an engaging and inclusive play experience for children of all abilities.

Challenges included balancing the design to suit diverse user groups, addressing site-specific constraints such as limited space or existing infrastructure, and completing the installation within budget and on schedule.

Here, we’ll dive into the main challenges and solutions.

Challenge #1: Limited Space and Existing Infrastructure

The municipal landscaping site had limited usable space, and the client wanted to use existing infrastructure, making the design and installation process more complex.

KD Landscape used advanced 3D modeling tools to optimize the layout, ensuring every square foot was used efficiently.

The team minimized unnecessary demolition and costs by integrating existing features into the new design.

Creative solutions, such as vertical play structures, maximized functionality without expanding the park’s footprint.

Challenge #2: Budget Constraints

The client required a high-quality, durable park with state-of-the-art features while staying within a strict budget.

KD Landscape prioritized cost-effective, durable materials like recycled plastic lumber and HDPE for longevity and minimal maintenance.

KD Landscape leveraged existing supplier relationships to secure playground equipment and materials discounts.

The landscaping for parks team phased construction to focus on essential features first, allowing for future expansions if additional funding became available.

Challenge #3: Weather-Related Delays

Inclement weather during the commercial landscaping construction phase caused unexpected delays, particularly in site preparation and landscaping.

KD Landscape adjusted the project timeline by reallocating resources to indoor pre-assembly of playground components while waiting for improved weather.

The team used rapid-drying concrete and advanced drainage techniques to mitigate future disruptions caused by rain during installation.

Challenge #4: Ensuring Community Buy-In

Diverse community needs meant balancing features for children, adults, and seniors, all while ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

The KD Landscape team held community input sessions during the municipal landscaping planning phase to gather feedback and address specific concerns.
Inclusive design features, such as ADA-compliant pathways and sensory-rich play elements, ensured the site catered to all age groups and abilities.

KD Landscape’s team communicated progress updates regularly, fostering trust and enthusiasm among residents.

Challenge #5: Balancing Aesthetics With Functionality

The park needed to look visually appealing while maintaining practicality for heavy public use.

KD Landscape used decorative finishes for concrete pathways and pavers, blending durability with an attractive design.

Integrating native plants and trees created natural beauty while reducing long-term commercial landscaping maintenance.

Placing amenities like benches and lighting in strategic locations enhanced usability and visual harmony.

Challenge #6: Safety & Compliance

Ensuring all features met stringent safety and accessibility standards added complexity to this landscaping for parks project.

KD Landscape conducted rigorous safety checks and used certified materials, such as impact-absorbing rubber surfacing under play areas.

Collaborating with experts helped ensure full compliance with local codes and ADA guidelines.

Scheduling a final third-party inspection aided in validating all installations.

Redmond Parks Project Results

Through proactive communication and a focus on creative, tailored solutions, KD Landscape delivered a modern park that exceeded expectations while staying on schedule and within budget.

The state-of-the-art playground structure has become a central attraction, offering a safe, inclusive, and engaging experience for children of all abilities.

Its durable, low-maintenance materials have minimized commercial landscaping upkeep while maintaining its visual appeal, meeting the client’s goal for sustainability and longevity.

The modern amenities, designed for functionality and aesthetics, have enhanced the park’s usability for visitors of all ages. Features such as accessible pathways, strategically placed seating, and lighting have improved safety and comfort, making the space more welcoming and enjoyable.

Additionally, KD Landscape's thoughtful layout planning has maximized the available space, ensuring a balance between open areas for recreation and designated zones for rest and gathering.

The project’s adherence to budget and schedule has also proven valuable, as the client can focus on long-term maintenance and programming without concern for unexpected costs or delays.

These solutions align directly with the client’s priorities, addressing practical needs and community expectations. KD Landscape's attention to detail and commitment to quality continues to support the park’s success as a vibrant community hub.

Let KD Landscape Bring Its Innovative Approaches To Your Municipal Landscaping

KD Landscape employed several innovative techniques to ensure the success of the Redmond Park municipal landscaping project.

For the state-of-the-art playground structure, they collaborated with industry-leading suppliers to incorporate the latest in play equipment technology, focusing on inclusivity, interactivity, and safety. Features such as sensory-rich elements and universally accessible designs catered to children of all abilities, setting the park apart as a forward-thinking recreational space.

A sustainable approach was also a key innovation. KD selected durable, eco-friendly materials that required minimal maintenance, reducing long-term costs and environmental impact. They implemented smart drainage solutions to manage stormwater efficiently, preventing erosion and ensuring the longevity of park features.

KD Landscape’s team emphasized stakeholder engagement throughout the process, leveraging input from community members and local leaders to shape a design that resonated with user needs and preferences.

This collaborative approach fostered a strong sense of ownership and pride among residents. These techniques solved practical challenges and created a modern, inclusive, and sustainable park, making it a true asset to the Bensenville community.

Want to learn more about our landscaping for parks in Greater Chicago? Get started today with a free quote. We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice.