Location: Batoche, SK
Date: 2023
Client: Métis Nation - Saskatchewan
Builder: J-Man Carpentry
Collaborators: David T Fortin Architect
Métis Nation - Saskatchewan approached SOLO/DTFA in the winter of 2022-2023 with a vision to create a space for our Métis Children to play and socialize at the Back to Batoche Festival. This festival is the largest Métis Gathering which annually attracts 45,000+ visitors from all over North America during July.
The vision was inspired by Métis Culture and designed and built by a Métis team. The playground plan is a scaled-down version of the regional geography: a “sand river” divides the playground from a natural landscape to the East and River Lots on the West. A zipline represents Gabriel’s Ferry that carries you across the river. A Métis skiff, a traditional form of boat, is found in the river.
On the west side of the playground, several structures are present: a Gable Structure with Sensory Items, a Log Pile, a Timber Tower, Trapeze Rings and a Swingset. The benches were custom-designed to incorporate the Métis Infinity symbol and Michif Language. A fruit orchard has been planted in a river lot pattern