Preparing for a Lifetime of Exploration. 

DG2 Design designed a distinctive, forward-thinking playground for Atlas Elementary — a new school in downtown St. Louis committed to preparing students for a lifetime of exploration. Atlas Public Schools educates the whole child through rigorous academics and real-world experiences, and the playground reflects that philosophy: it is designed to encourage imagination, physical challenge, and free play in equal measure.

An Unconventional Setting, an Unconventional Design

Located beneath the cover of a former parking structure on campus, the playground transforms an underutilized urban space into a dynamic, all-weather play environment. The accessible artificial turf surface provides a safe, consistent footing for all students, regardless of ability.

Berliner Spatial Nets and Cognitive Play

Unlike traditional playground concepts, the design features Berliner spatial nets — three-dimensional climbing structures developed in Germany that are proven to stimulate cognitive development and encourage decision-making through play. Alongside the nets, two DNA Towers offer climbing features and a slide, while a Tri climbing tower with a tube slide adds further variety. A three-dimensional chess board rounds out the design, bridging physical and intellectual play in a single space.

Built to Grow with the School

The playground was conceived as part of a larger adaptive reuse project that transformed a previously vacant building into Atlas Elementary’s home. As the school adds a new grade each year on its path to 600 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, the site and its play spaces are designed to evolve alongside the community they serve.