The playground is situated near Slotssøen in a park that holds a beautiful view to the adjacent Frederiksborg castle. The park is used by families with children, youths, exercisers and old people. The concept of the playground is based on the specific context of the site. The overall organization of the space is inspired by the nearby hounds hunting landscape with its stellate system of paths established by king Christian 5. Like the surrounding forest, the playground is constructed around a central star with eight paths radiating from the center.
Furthermore, elements from the castle resurrect in new forms at the playground, a visual exchange between the two to be explored by adults and children alike. The color scheme of the playground refers directly to the castle - terracotta, verdigris green and gold.
Several of the basic elements of the playground are built in red bricks: a course of bricks incorporated in the ground is winding through the entire area meeting different obstacles along the way. A circular sand box is inviting the smaller children to play in the toddlers’ area and two huge brick walls act as climbing walls with roller coasters for the older children. The two walls mimic the castle’s distinctive gable parts in Dutch Renaissance style and appear as notable landmarks in the cityscape.
The playground serves as a useful work of art in the urban space. It is supposed to titillate the visitors’ curiosity and inspire to explore the castle’s museum and beautiful baroque garden in addition to the surrounding hunting landscape.
Carried out by Maxplay, Hansen & Andersen and MøllerLøkkegaard.
The playground is realised with generous support from the Danish Arts Foundation and Nordea-fonden.

Photo: Torben Petersen / Statens Kunstfond.