What happens when innovative minds come together to transform the idea of play? At the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the result is nothing short of out of this world. The Galaxy Park Playground isn’t just another playspace—it’s the product of a collaborative vision that united museum leaders, landscape architects, general contractors, and playground design experts. Together, they transformed an aging water play area into a dynamic cosmic adventure where education and play blend seamlessly.

The Vision Takes Shape

In August 2021, the seeds of this transformation were planted. David Rushing from Whirlix Design, known for creating extraordinary play environments, was invited to lead an engineering event at Dream Park, one of Whirlix's standout projects. The event sparked conversations about revitalizing the museum’s 20-year-old water play area. Soon, David and Quincy Crow of Open Space Texas were onsite, evaluating the potential for a new playground that would not only entertain but also educate visitors.

The vision? A multifunctional, educational playspace that would captivate people of all ages and serve as a unique venue for special events. The challenge was to create something both visually stunning and durable—able to withstand Texas heat, active play, and constant use. The museum envisioned a playspace that merged science with fun, allowing children to explore the cosmos while their parents engaged with the museum's educational offerings.

The Big Bang of Collaboration

The journey from concept to completion was truly a group effort. Throughout the fall of 2021, Whirlix Design, Open Space Texas, and Jeremy Blad from Valley Quest Design worked closely with the museum to craft a galactic playground filled with imaginative play structures and educational elements. The team faced challenges such as west-facing sun exposure, limited site access, and the need for resilient landscaping.

One crucial decision that set the project on the right path was the installation of a custom shade structure to provide relief from the intense sun. With that hurdle overcome, the design team could focus on the exciting aspects—like integrating planetary orbits into the safety surfacing and designing asteroid-themed climbing equipment.

Building a Galactic Playground

By spring 2022, the final designs were in place. The team worked with precision and creativity to select the perfect playground structures that would bring the cosmic theme to life. From the Mobius® Climber, which mimics the feel of a spacewalk, to custom-built asteroid steppers, each piece of equipment was designed to encourage dynamic play while subtly teaching kids about astronomy and physics.

As construction progressed, the transformation from a rundown water area to a celestial playground began to take shape. The collaboration continued throughout the construction phase, with regular site meetings to ensure every design detail was executed perfectly. By November 2022, Galaxy Park was ready for its grand opening, a testament to the power of teamwork and innovation.

Creative Solutions to Earthly Challenges

Building a cosmic playground came with its share of challenges. The narrow site made transporting equipment difficult, and the intense sun threatened to make the playground too hot for comfortable play. The team devised a clever solution: using the museum building itself as anchor points for a custom shade structure. This allowed the installation to proceed without compromising space or usability.

The result was a thoughtfully constructed, durable playspace that not only looks like a slice of the cosmos but is also built to endure the wear and tear of energetic young explorers.

Cosmic Features for Young Explorers

Galaxy Park is packed with features designed to spark curiosity and imagination. The scaled planetary orbits incorporated into the surfacing allow children to “orbit” like planets, learning about astronomical distances through play. Climbing structures like the Cozy Dome® and Mobius® Climber resemble space rocks and lunar habitats, offering children a taste of space exploration while enhancing their motor skills.

With every step, leap, and climb, children absorb science concepts in a way that feels natural and fun. The playground’s design masterfully blends education with play, making it a hit for visitors of all ages.

Looking to the Stars—And the Future

The story of Galaxy Park is far from over. Whirlix Design, Open Space Texas, and Valley Quest Design are already working with the museum on plans for the next phase of the playground’s development. This ongoing collaboration ensures that Galaxy Park will continue to evolve, adding more features to expand its educational impact while keeping play at the forefront.

Final Thoughts

Galaxy Park at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when creative minds collaborate. This project embodies the spirit of teamwork, transforming an ordinary playspace into a cosmic adventure that challenges and inspires young minds.

Every visit to Galaxy Park offers a new opportunity to explore, learn, and play. Join us on this interstellar journey and experience the wonder for yourself!

Want to learn more? Download the full case study here and experience the wonder for yourself!