PINECREST GARDENS INSPIRATION CENTER AND PLAYGROUND

Village of Pinecrest, FL

The 20-acre park, originally established in 1935 as the renowned Parrot Jungle, has been beautifully transformed into a vibrant public space under the care of the local municipality. Now a thriving multi-use destination, it serves as a hub for art exhibitions, music performances, and community programming.

This transformation features the addition of a Learning and Special Event Center, a domestic animal Petting Zoo, and a whimsical Playground, all seamlessly woven into the park's historic setting. The design blends elements of art, nature, and play, creating a magical, story-driven experience. It celebrates the essence of South Florida through its distinctive architecture, lush native landscaping, and references to local flora and fauna.

New walkways form a cohesive loop that connects key areas of the park, including the upper seating areas, the concession building, and the Learning and Special Event Center. Situated in the northwest corner, this centerpiece features a spacious circular room with a kitchen, restrooms, and storage. Its oolite rock wall façade, arches, and portal windows honor the park’s original mid-century charm. Arched doorways frame stunning views of a lake, an inspiration garden, a domesticated animal habitat (Animal Barn), and a vibrant artwork designed to attract regional bats.

A winding pathway leads from the Learning and Special Event Center to the Animal Barn, which balances functionality with character. The barn’s gabled roofs, wallaba shingles, circular windows, and louvers maximize natural light and ventilation. Mahogany doors provide a seamless transition between the interior and exterior, symbolizing the connection between human and animal worlds.

The animal habitat features a variety of domesticated animals, including goats, donkeys, cows, pigs, and rabbits. Brightly colored pods with circular forms and conical roofs provide shelter and create inviting spaces for children and adults to interact with the animals.

The imaginative Playground captures the essence of a magical village where plants, animals, and humans coexist in harmony. Its centerpiece is a sculptural anole lizard that serves as both a climbing feature and an accessible ramp. Additional nature-inspired elements include frog sculptures, a spider spinner, a swing set, an embankment roller slide, and interactive musical instruments. The playful atmosphere extends to the restrooms, which are designed with twin facades that appear to "observe" children at play.

The park’s redesign concludes with a stone portal that serves as a symbolic gateway, completing the circular journey through this thoughtfully reimagined space.

Collaborators:

Landscape DE - Landscape Architect; Felis Consulting LLC - Zoo Consultant