A garden created for children ages 3 to 7 years
gives young visitors a place where they can
stretch their minds as well as their legs
Project Overview
In December of 2006, Newport Beach Public Library opened the
Children's Sun & Sea Discovery Garden and play space at its
Central branch. The library decided it needed more space for
children and looked to the previously unused patio area situated
next to the Children's Room.
Kids can explore the paths, sit and read on the low walls, find sea
creatures in the decorative tiles and explore the maze. The
garden was intended to enchant and engage children ages 3 to 7
years old.
The $140,000 Discovery Garden project was funded by Friends of
the Library. The creative space was designed and built by Front
Porch Creations, husband-and-wife team based in Corona del
Mar, California. The team designs and installs high-end landscape
jobs, which come with high expectations. This was their first
municipal project.
Designer Chris Fenmore, mother of three, used her experience
with her sons to create the garden. She centered the garden
around children's naturally curious nature and gave them a
unique and safe place to explore and learn.
The Issues Being Faced
The irregular and geometric shapes forming the planters posed
an irrigation issue. Eric Fenmore, of Front Porch Creations, did not
want water on the pavers, decorative tiles, and windows.
Traditional pop-up sprinklers would have an overspray, creating
damage to the hardscapes and possible slipping. In addition,
having the irrigation exposed around young children increases
the likelihood of tripping.
Eric, after discussing the project with Imperial Sprinkler Supply in
Anaheim, California, chose Netafim's Techline CV® Dripperline
over sprays or bubblers. Sprays and bubblers would cause the
hardscapes to get wet regularly which would increase the
possibility that young children could get injured as well as make
the area more difficult to maintain. Due to the tight areas and
irregular shapes, Eric agreed that Techline CV would be the best
fit for this project over sprays or bubblers. This was Eric's first time
using drip irrigation on one of his projects.
The Netafim Solution
Front Porch Creations installed Netafim’s Techline CV®
dripperline with 0.6 GPH flow rate drippers spaced 18”
apart. The dripperline was installed subsurface so the
irrigation supplies are out of sight and children won’t trip
over the components.
With a variety of connectors, Front Porch Creations was able
to form the Techline CV into the irregular and geometric
shapes forming unique planters.
With the use of Techline CV, there is no overspray and the
hardscapes stay dry and safe. Maintenance is kept to a
minimum since water does not come in contact with the
windows or decorative tiles.
Children run safe and free without parents worrying about
them slipping on the tiles. They can explore the discovery
maze or huddle around the large reading pod where
librarians will hold daily story-telling sessions.
The project has become a jewel for the Newport Beach
Public Library and a destination for young people from all
around.
Front Porch Creations has already embarked on new
projects using Techline CV and plan on eventually irrigating
turf areas.
|
