South Mill Pond Playground
This project, included in the capital budget for FY25, is to replace the existing South Mill playground with a new, universal design, ADA-compliant, age-friendly, inclusive playground. Along with the playground overhaul, the project includes the addition of ADA-compliant, family-friendly restroom facilities instead of the port-a-potties, and also includes an upgraded parking lot.
The goal is to convert South Mill Pond Playground into the most utilized, dynamic, barrier-free destination playground for Portsmouth and its visitors and the gold standard for Universally Accessible and Inclusive playgrounds.
The playground is part of the Recreation Department's South Mill Pond Recreation Complex that incorporates pickleball, basketball and tennis courts, as well as Leary Field and the dog park. This area is also host to multiple city events such as the July 3 fireworks and the Easter Egg Hunt.
In November 2023, the City contracted with SLR International Corporation (SLR), an international environmental consultancy that provides a broad and diverse range of technical and environmental capabilities. SLR’s professionals include landscape architects, engineers, planners, environmental scientists, geologists, remediation specialists, and regulatory and compliance specialists. SLR is well qualified to collaborate with the City and stakeholders on this project based on their extensive experience providing detailed playground designs that meet and exceed the latest Americans with Disabilities Act and Universal Design standards; playground safety guidance from their in-house Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI); public participation and their National Charrette Institute’s certified designers.
Project Informational Survey - Live now!
![South Mill Pond Graphic with Link to Take the survey](/sites/default/files/inline-images/South%20Mill%20Pond%20Playground%20Improvements.png)
The design team for the South Mill Pond Park seeks to develop a community-supported implementation program to improve this open space resource. This survey will be focusing on the playground area and parking improvements project.
The reinvigorated playground is intended to be an exciting destination for the City of Portsmouth and its visitors. Improvements will increase the use and enjoyment of this public land while integrating it into the surrounding context. The City strives to implement the goals from the Portsmouth 2025 Master Plan, such as: creating spaces that are Vibrant, Authentic, Diverse, Connected, and Resilient. The design intent is to incorporate those planning themes with a focus on developing universal accessibility (providing access to all bodies) and inclusivity (providing sensory elements for all cognitive abilities).
Please let us know your thoughts on what this space should be!
Take the survey here or by clicking the image above.
Once the survey concludes, a public input meeting will held, so be on the lookout for more information.