Indigo: Somersault Mews
Richmond, Texas
Summary
Somersault Mews is the energetic heart of the neighborhood. A vibrant, activity-rich green space designed to channel movement, play, and connection across generations. As the most active of Indigo’s three mews, it serves as a dynamic gathering place where residents can come together for both spontaneous fun and daily recreation, all within a beautifully designed, nature-inspired setting.
Section I Parks & Mews
What does an imaginative, nature-inspired alternative to conventional playgrounds look like and how can it support child development while enhancing the landscape?
Project Stats
Project Size:
01.35 Acres​
Project Type:
Community Amenity​
Parks & Open Space
Project Scope :
Schematic Design
Through Construction​
Project Status:
On The Boards
Client:
Collaborators :
Contractor :
Nature Play
At its core is a thoughtfully crafted nature-based playground that blends climbing structures, balance beams, and imaginative elements made from natural materials like wood, stone, and rope. This play area encourages kids to explore, take risks, and engage their senses while connecting with the textures and rhythms of the landscape. Unlike conventional plastic playgrounds, Somersault’s play features are intentionally irregular and open-ended, promoting creativity, coordination, and social interaction.
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Surrounding the play zone are shaded community lounges; comfortable, flexible seating areas where parents can relax while kids play, or where neighbors can gather for conversation, snacks, or informal meetups. These spaces, nestled under tree canopies or lightweight shade structures, help create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening, making the mews as inviting for adults as it is for children.
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A central open lawn anchors the space, offering ample room for pickup games of soccer, frisbee, tag, or rolling down a gentle slope, activities that bring joy and energy to daily life. Adjacent zones are designed to accommodate both dog and human recreation, with pet-friendly features like turf play areas, water fountains, and waste stations integrated seamlessly into the landscape. These dog zones provide valuable socialization for pets and their owners alike, reinforcing community bonds in unexpected ways.
Creative Placemaking
Colorful plantings and native grasses frame the activity areas, softening edges and contributing to stormwater management and habitat creation. Pathways guide movement through the space, offering accessibility and inviting exploration.
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Somersault Mews is more than just a play space, it’s a neighborhood engine of vitality, designed to support physical health, social interaction, and the spontaneous joy of outdoor life. It reflects Indigo’s commitment to building community through design, offering residents a place to laugh, move, and connect within steps of home.