The Universal Universe is a new exceptionally accessible playground within the beloved Southside Park. Located in downtown Sacramento, Southside Park is at the heart of a culturally diverse neighborhood of tree-lined streets and historic architecture. Prior to construction, the site contained a small playground which was outdated and failed to meet the needs of the community. Now the free flowing forms of the Universal Universe playground are nestled among mature trees, sited adjacent to the aquatic center and community clubhouse, and overlooking an existing natural pond.

The playground design is a whimsical take on the retro space theme depicted in TV’s Buck Rogers. This funky theme of simplistic robots and “space age “ metal is carried throughout the site. From the patterned playground surfacing depicting cartoon like spaceships, planets, stars and moons, to the play equipment designed to resemble spaceships navigating through the galaxy, the entire playground is linked by the use of curves, and repeating patterns and materials.

To provide an interesting sensory experience, opportunities for touch, smell, sound and wayfinding were incorporated into the fabric of the playground. A curving entry wall protects a wonderful mosaic made from tiles in the shapes of rockets, moon and stars made by artists at the Short Center (an art cooperative for people with developmental disabilities) and painted by neighborhood children. Some tiles are bumpy, some smooth, others have messages in American Braille. Sound is also incorporated in the play areas with pressure triggered speakers dispersing specially selected sounds unique to each play area. A sensory garden winds through the playground with gardenia, lilac and lavender for scent; flax, bottlebrush and soft grasses for texture. Wayfinding for sighted and non-sighted visitors is made easier with unique spaceship shaped signage and special pavement edges that assist those using canes in identifying the edges of the playground pathways. Planet and play area names are etched into the concrete to provide another layer of interest.