Commercial Landscape Design

Although we began our business primarily as a residential landscape construction company in 1992, our focus began to expand by the end of the 1990s. The commercial construction division was developed to offer the same high-quality services to a new group of clients. Beginning in 1999 with one crew and $500,000 in sales, the commercial division has seen consistent long-term growth in spite of overall industry setbacks, and enjoys work on commercial, industrial and public sector jobs as Designscapes Colorado becomes increasingly more involved in larger projects.

Learming Landscapes - work that affects the community

Of Designscapes Colorado's numerous premier projects during the past decade, a program for Denver Public Schools is among the best. The Learning Landscapes Alliance - a joint effort between the University of Colorado and Denver Public Schools - extends the classroom to the playground at both the elementary and college level. The program allows college students to develop master plans for local elementary schools that are taken on by area architects and general contractors. Designscapes Colorado has installed more than 35 of the playgrounds in the past four years, gaining national recognition in the process.

"Learning Landscapes playgrounds are very different from regular playgrounds." says Christopher Hoy, estimator for Designscapes Colorado. "These playgrounds include math and science elements to help the students develop math and science skills while at play." The playgrounds also integrate vibrant colors, elevation changes and artwork painted on the asphalt.

"The design elements generally tap into the history of the schools, the local geography, history and tribal roots," says Designscapes Colorado. "The individual projects often start with UC-Denver graduate students working with the elementary school students by exploring the history of the elementary school's location."

The unusual installations are a unique and exciting challenge for a company known for its creativity and dedication. "Generally, the Learning Landscapes playgrounds will integrate three surfaces including a mulch surface, an SBR rubber (a poured-inplace material), and AstroTurf or anorher syntheric turf," says Tom Brownfield, Division Manager for Designscapes Colorado.

"The community is also involved in the project. We lead volunteer days where the community can come in and lay sod and plant trees," Brownfield continues. "We enjoy working closely with the volunteers and furthering a sense of community around the schools." Designscapes Colorado also watches our for safety on the projects as the playgrounds are completed on a phased construcrion schedule, often while school is in session.

The playgrounds have had a positive impact across the board, and recent evidence suggests the interacrive playground affects how kids learn and improves the students' play environment.

"We're on the leading edge in the development of these playgrounds and we've been proud of the national arrention they've received," says Brownfleld. The projects allow Designscapes Colorado to do what it does best - serve clients from start to finish, as needed.