Destination Play

Imagine play that transforms landscapes into destination spaces where communities gather and families want to stay all day. Richter’s extraordinary products and philosophy have shaped some of the world’s most acclaimed and beloved playgrounds. APE Studio and Richter are uniquely experienced in creating play spaces that complement the environment and respond to the needs and desires of children, their families, and communities.

Kingsbury Commons, Pease Park, Austin TX

As part of a larger revitalization project within Pease Park, Austin's oldest civic green space was updated with an emphasis on natural play for children of all ages. The park features a diverse array of Richter equipment for climbing, swinging, and balancing. Among the active play elements is Richter's Swing Scales, which uses teamwork to not only swing to and fro, but pivot up and down. 

East Lake Park, Okoboji IA

Nestled on the shore of East Okoboji Lake in northern Iowa, Richter's custom Minnie Queen pays tribute to the historic excursion boat’s role in the community. Adventurous users can climb up the smokestack's ladder for a view of the water and ring the captain's bell. The wooden Sailing Boat, Big Fish slide, and Little Fish rockers provide further opportunities for nautical play. 

Waterloo Park, Austin TX

The revitalized 11-acre park, located in the heart of Austin, features an exciting stone slide—Richter’s first—and an expansive Climbing Structure. Ideal for warmer climates, the granite slide embodies Richter's dedication to natural materials and stays cool to the touch, even in Texan heat.

Martin’s Park, Boston, MA

Martin's Park honors the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings, Martin Richard. His family created this city park as an inclusive space for natural and imaginative play. Richter’s iconic Wooden Play Ship stands as a landmark, with two accessible levels, complementing the harborside setting. An accessible embankment slide and sculptured animal Stroking Stones round out Richter’s offerings of play for all.

Gathering Place, Tulsa OK

The largest public park gift in U.S. history, Gathering Place features 115 unique pieces of Richter equipment, including many custom designs. The centerpiece of the five-acre adventure playground is the Tower Spiral: six uniquely themed towers and a colossal elephant with tunnel slide trunk.

Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati OH

The riverfront public play space includes a challenging playground designed for children to climb high and slide fast. A signature piece, the “Oinkithopter” is a stainless steel flying pig based on one of Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machines. Interactive water play area is another park favorite.

Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn NY

A dazzling waterfront park built on former shipping piers, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a true urban oasis. The 1.6-acre Pier 6 Upland is devoted to children, with separate “rooms” for diverse kinds of play: Swing Valley, Slide Mountain, Sand Village, and the Water Lab are brimming with Richter play equipment—attracting families from all over the city, year round.