A playground above the city

By Greenwood Industries. 

Greenwood Industries shows how smart roofing design can solve space challenges in dense communities. 

In dense urban communities, limited real estate often forces school districts to rethink how they design student spaces. For example, At Francis M. Leahy Elementary School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, a tight site bordered by residential homes and the Spicket River left no room for a traditional playground. Rather than sacrificing outdoor recreation, the project team led by Greenwood Industries looked upward, turning valuable rooftop square footage into an elevated play space supported by high-performance roofing systems. 

The answer is right above your head 

A normal school commercial roof is a large, flat surface. Increasingly, they are used for solar installations, and many colleges and universities are installing green roofs to increase sustainability Greenwood has installed numerous green roofs and paver systems on Hydrotech systems, but in recent years have also used this system for playgrounds. For schools like Francis Leahy, rooftop playgrounds are becoming a popular option.  

The installation of the new roof system 

The Hydrotech assembly is topped with pavers and specialty play surfaces that provide space for a general play area, basketball court, jungle gym, slides and a lounge zone. Hydrotech Monolithic Membrane 6125 was chosen for its proven durability beneath heavy overburden. In an application where the roof must handle groups of energetic children as well as harsh New England winters, long-term performance was critical.  

The remaining four roof areas received a Sarnafil G410 80 mil adhered system. Sarnafil was the natural choice because of its energy efficient properties, which are important for a public school. The largest of these roofs sit just above the playground, while two smaller roofs cover the staircases. A final recessed section is located slightly below the main roofline and houses the school’s mechanical equipment. 

The playground design made installation more complex than a typical roofing project. While coordinating with multiple trades is common, this project required even more collaboration. Large safety fencing had to be erected around the entire play area, and landscaping crews were brought onsite as well. These added layers increased logistical challenges, but our roofers successfully navigated the congestion and installed both the Hydrotech system and pavers with precision. 

Thoughtful choices: Building a playground on a rooftop 

The playground itself is thoughtfully arranged. The recreational area of the roof system takes up nearly 75% of the rooftop area and uses every bit of it. Equipment is positioned neatly in corners, leaving generous open space for group activities and free play. In addition, a smaller rear area is set aside for a lounge. This way any staff looking to recharge can have some space away from the hustle of a playground. 

The result is a rooftop playground that students can truly enjoy and one that stands out among local schools. Looking out over the historic mills of Lawrence, it will be impossible for the students to forget their time at Francis Leahy. Just as importantly, the roof supporting it is built to last, thanks to high-quality materials and expert installation. That way generations of students will be able to make lasting memories. 

Original article and photos source: Greenwood Industries