Tres Birds Workshop’s Wooden Nests Mimic Bird Habitats in Vail, CO

The art-loving city of Vail, CO just added another custom playground to its streets

Sun Bird Park is an urban jungle gym that doubles as an art installation! Designed by Denver-based Tres Birds Workshop, the playground features three giant cocoon-like birds' nests with connecting bridges and slides. The architects designed the urban park to strengthen the connection between humans and the natural environment - and it looks like a whole lot of fun.

Sun Bird Park’s giant wooden nests were inspired by surrounding bird habitat and even evoke the imagery of flowers. The curving, ski-inspired ribs were constructed from various wood species and treated with a non-toxic mixture of oil, wax and tree resin. Stainless steel mesh fabric asymmetrically covers the spaces between the wooden ribs.

In addition to the connecting ropes and bridges between the nests, the playground also includes a climbing wall as a nod to one of Colorado’s favorite sports. Sun Bird Park was also designed as an equal-access park so that children with disabilities and adaptive skills can enjoy the space. The contemporary project was created as part of the city’s artist-commissioned parks program, which has included a pirate ship jungle gym and a playground with giant steel statues.