Triumph Park, EPIC Playground

Embracing the future of Waukee, Iowa, with inclusive design at Triumph Park

Incorporated on July 2, 1878, Waukee, Iowa, thrived as a vibrant coal mine community until 1949, when the state's largest coal producer ceased operations. However, the spirit of progress and collaboration among Waukee's residents and city leaders never wavered. Today, Waukee proudly holds the title of the fastest growing city in Iowa, offering a warm and welcoming environment characterized by a strong sense of community. With exceptional schools, well-maintained parks, extensive trails, a diverse range of entertainment options, and numerous opportunities for personal growth and development, Waukee truly embodies the essence of a thriving and dynamic city.

The visionary Triumph Park, EPIC Playground stands tall as a testament to the harmonious collaboration between the City of Waukee, the Waukee Community School District and the Waukee Betterment Foundation. Across a pond from Waukee’s Northwest High School, which opened in 2021, is a recreational haven, boasting the iconic playground, an accessible fishing pier and the Miracle League® Field. With the intent to be an inclusive space, Triumph Park was designed to act as a beacon to bring people of all abilities together for play and recreation.

Meeting a need

“The partnership with the Waukee Community School District was important in the development of the park,” explained Matt Jermier, parks and recreation director at the City of Waukee. “Trail connectivity within the park was significant—it connects 60-acres of parkland—but those trails also serve as safe routes to school for many kids.”

Additionally, the City of Waukee worked with the Heartland AEA to identify the need for a Miracle League Field in its community, and to determine how many people in Dallas County would utilize an all-inclusive facility. It became clear that there was a need not only in Waukee, but within Dallas County.

“After confirming the need, our goal was to put the all-inclusive playground, Miracle League baseball field and create an accessible fishing pier—the first in Dallas County—all together at the center of the park,” said Jermier. “Then build the rest of the park around that.”

The rest of the park? That includes 12 baseball fields, practice spaces, batting cages, accessible restrooms, a concession stand, 750 parking spaces, greenspace, and three miles of trails connecting to area neighborhoods and regional trail systems.

Bringing in the experts

The city partnered with Confluence, the leading landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm in the Midwest with nine offices strategically located throughout the region, to expertly craft the overall park plans.

“We knew that Triumph Park was going to be a regional attraction,” said Jermier. “So, we wanted to create a playground that was bigger and better than anything we had seen.”

With those multiple goals in mind—creating a destination play space that was also fully inclusive—the team reached out to playground experts Landscape Structures Inc. and their Iowa-based consultant, Outdoor Recreation Products, for help.

“We shared our goal for an all-inclusive playground—meaning all portions of the space needed to be activated for all abilities—and the teams at Landscape Structures and Outdoor Recreation Products really helped us figure out what that right mix was,” said Matt Carlile, PLA, principal at Confluence. “We also shared overall big picture sketches of the design concept, and their designer ran with it to help us get it right.”

A vision realized

The heart of the Triumph Park playground design lies in its centerpiece̶—interconnected, accessible towers. Allison Koeckeritz, senior custom designer at Landscape Structures, drew inspiration for the three iconic structures from the historic grain elevators that dot the landscape of downtown Waukee. However, the goal was to create a design that reflected the future of Waukee rather than its history.

The towers, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the park and its surroundings, were designed with inclusivity in mind and feature a double ramp leading to the first tower to ensure that individuals of all ages and abilities could enjoy the grand entry. A double-decker sensory tunnel, which delivers parallel play, leads to the next tower where kids of all abilities can make their way all the way to the top with the spiral belting within the tower structure. Each of the tallest towers have lights installed in the roofs that shine at night.

“Those three towers are borderline art pieces as well as playground structures,” said Carlile. “And if you look across the pond or from the roadways around the area, those towers become sort of a beacon to show that it’s there.”

Play-functionally linked to the towers is a fully inclusive PlayBooster® playstructure for kids ages 5 to 12 complete with a Sway Fun® Glider, sensory play panels, climbers, slides and integrated shade sails. A play space for toddlers and preschoolers was also incorporated into the design, which includes another fully ramped playground structure packed with age-appropriate challenges. Additionally, there are many freestanding play components like the We-Go-Round®, Rhapsody® Outdoor Musical Instruments, Oodle® Swing and more to keep the entire family active and engaged in hours of play.

Additionally, strategically placed berms serve as seating areas for parents and caregivers, offering respite and vantage points throughout the park.

The first of its kind

The accessible fishing pier is a uniquely designed amenity for Triumph Park. In fact, it’s the first accessible fishing pier within Dallas County.

“While the dock itself floats, the gangway that comes out to meet the land is guaranteed to be ADA accessible,” explained Carlile. “Before the water gets too high so the slope would be going up, the water in the pond runs over the dam. Or if the water gets too low, the pier’s steel structure will catch so that the slope is still less than 5 percent. No matter the extreme conditions, individuals of all abilities will be able to access the fishing pier.”

Captivating visitors near and far

Triumph Park opened in June 2022, and since then has had more than 500,000 visits from all over the country. People visiting the complex for baseball/softball tournaments aren’t leaving during breaks; they spend time at the playground with younger siblings and bring their fishing poles to fish for a few hours between games.

“We usually see at least one bus out there every day,” said Jermier. “It’s becoming a field trip hot spot and day-trip destination. There was a school district nearby that brought all of their kindergarten through grade 12 students with special needs for a field trip to the playground.”

Triumph Park's impact extends beyond recreation; it serves as a catalyst for economic development. The park's proximity to burgeoning housing developments and its reputation as a recreation destination have invigorated the local economy. Local businesses have witnessed a surge in activity, prompting them to prepare for increased footfall and capitalize on the park's popularity.

As Triumph Park continues to thrive, its significance becomes increasingly apparent. The Park stands as a testament to the remarkable growth and quality of life that characterizes Waukee. By cultivating an environment that fosters inclusivity, unity and shared experiences, Triumph Park has become a cherished symbol of the community's progressive vision. As visitors explore the park's offerings, they are not only treated to a memorable experience but also reminded of the unwavering spirit and commitment of the people of Waukee.