Play with Purpose: Inside Wellen Park’s Collaboration with KOMPAN

At Wellen Park, wellness isn’t just a goal — it’s a way of life. From our miles of trails to our vibrant gathering spaces, we believe in building a community where residents of all ages can thrive. That’s why we’re proud to partner with KOMPAN, a global leader in innovative playground design, on our newest play destination, projected to open in spring 2026: Park 87.

More than just a playground builder, KOMPAN shares our commitment to creating environments that inspire imagination, encourage physical activity, and support holistic development. With decades of research-backed design, KOMPAN brings a unique blend of science and creativity to every space they touch — and that’s exactly why they’re helping bring Wellen Park’s vision for wellness to life.

Cornhole at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen

KOMPAN’s Research-Driven Approach

Founded in Denmark in 1970, KOMPAN has grown into a global leader in innovative playground design. Known for blending art, science, and play psychology, KOMPAN creates environments that do more than entertain — they help children grow, learn, and thrive.

At the heart of their approach is the KOMPAN Play Institute, a dedicated research center that studies how play impacts child development, physical health, and social interaction. This science-driven foundation ensures each playground supports both fun and function.

One of the KOMPAN Play Institute’s core research findings centers on make-believe play. When children engage in imaginative roleplay, like pretending to be firefighters, explorers, or everyday heroes, they’re doing far more than playing. This type of creative storytelling helps build mastery, narrative thinking, emotional resilience, and self-regulation. 

At Park 87, these benefits will be front and center, with fire rescue themed equipment and environments designed specifically to spark imagination and support meaningful developmental growth through play.

The Bocce Ball Court in Downtown Wellen

Inclusive Design for All Ages

KOMPAN also understands that meaningful play doesn’t stop at early childhood. Their research acknowledges a demographic often overlooked in traditional playground design: tweens (ages 9–12). These kids crave challenges that reflect their growing independence and identity. KOMPAN responds with structures that offer physical complexity, social gathering spaces, and game-based elements to keep them engaged.

Playgrounds designed with tweens in mind foster self-esteem through mastery-based challenges, social interaction and collaboration, and continued physical activity during a stage of life where movement can often drop off. By designing spaces for a full age spectrum, KOMPAN helps create parks that grow with families — a value that aligns seamlessly with Wellen Park’s multigenerational lifestyle approach. Park 87 will feature four types of play areas proven to facilitate higher physical activity for tweens, including climbing equipment and open green spaces where tweens can play ball games, socialize, and express themselves.

The playground in Downtown Wellen

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

Another reason KOMPAN is a natural fit for Wellen Park: sustainability. Their playgrounds are built using recycled materials and low-impact production methods.

This aligns with our community’s broader commitment to green living — from shell-lined trails and native landscaping to eco-conscious community planning. Together, Wellen Park and KOMPAN are creating outdoor spaces that respect the planet while enhancing the lives of those who use them.

Jenga at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen

Wellness at the Heart of Park 87

Get ready for adventure, imagination, and meaningful connection — coming to life in early 2026 at Park 87, the newest destination in our ever-growing collection of parks and playgrounds within Wellen Park. Nestled near the future Firehouse No. 87, this exciting new playground is more than just a place to play; it’s a space designed to fuel wellness at every age.

Kids can climb into a world of heroism through KOMPAN’s imaginative play design, featuring a custom station play tower complete with slides, fire truck panels, and a rescue helicopter. Every element is thoughtfully crafted to spark creativity, encourage teamwork, and invite children to become everyday heroes in their own story.

The magic doesn’t stop there! With a design rooted in KOMPAN’s research-driven approach to inclusive play, Park 87 will also feature a dedicated toddler zone, ADA-accessible equipment like the Universal Carousel and swing set, and soft, themed rubber surfacing to ensure safety and access for all. Families can enjoy open green space for casual games, shaded spots for relaxing, a covered pavilion with restrooms, and plenty of parking — making Park 87 a KOMPAN-crafted destination for wellness, fun, and developmental growth.

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