«Kamchatka Volcanoes» Playground — «Spartak» Stadium

«Kamchatka Volcanoes» Playground — «Spartak» Stadium

The primary objective of this project was to transform the stadium’s circulation zone into an expansive park and vibrant play hub. Our goal was to create a space that goes beyond supporting the sports facility to serve as a powerful destination for families in its own right. The design is rooted in the identity of Kamchatka — a land of volcanoes and mountains. Moving away from standardized, off-the-shelf equipment, we developed a bespoke play landscape. Our core philosophy was that: «play should not be confined by the boundaries of a playground». Here, the entire topography becomes the field of play.

We utilized geoplastic techniques to sculpt artificial mounds (sopkas) that serve a dual purpose: they act as a buffer against harsh Pacific winds while functioning as the primary play features. The site incorporates custom play structures seamlessly integrated into the sculpted terrain:

1. Play Complex «Mountain»: The site’s vertical landmark. This sophisticated, multi-level climbing structure mimics a mountain ascent, challenging coordination and offering varying degrees of difficulty for children of all ages.

2. The «Home Volcanoes» Cluster: A series of elements embedded directly into the slopes. Children engage with height through climbing grips, ropes, and integrated slides.

Geoplastic Terrain: The hills form a continuous play route. Tunnels for hide-and-seek are carved into the mounds, and built-in trampolines create a «jump to the sky» effect against the backdrop of the mountain horizon.

Adaptability and Impact Special consideration was given to the region’s harsh, snowy winters. The gradients of the mounds are engineered so that, with the first snowfall, they transform into natural, safe sledding runs.

The «Spartak» project has set a new benchmark for play spaces in harsh northern climates. We have demonstrated that a playground does not have to be defined by bright plastic equipment; it can be a sophisticated landscape environment offering infinite play scenarios. Today, it stands as the most popular year-round family destination in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.