Train-Themed Playground, Wills Memorial Park, La Plata, MD

Railroad-Themed Play for Ages 2–5 and 5–12

La Plata’s railroad heritage provides the inspiration for this new train-themed playground in La Plata at Wills Memorial Park. Locomotive panels, train wheels, crawl-through tunnels and a decorative 1888 detail give the play space a strong connection to the town’s history.

Two play structures create distinct experiences for children ages 2–5 and 5–12. The smaller structure keeps activities closer to ground level, with a green slide, steps, climbing panels and enclosed crawl-through play suited to younger children.

For older children, the larger structure introduces more height, climbing routes, elevated platforms and a tall blue enclosed slide. The Denali Tower forms the playground’s main visual landmark, with a design chosen to reference La Plata’s historic water tower.

Together, the two age areas combine active climbing, sliding and imaginative railroad-themed play within a setting designed specifically for Wills Memorial Park and the La Plata community.

Bliss Products and Services helped the Town of La Plata develop a playground shaped around the community’s own character. The railroad theme carries through the equipment, colors and custom details, giving the two play areas a clear identity linked to the town’s history.

Beyond the main structures, swings, musical instruments, sensory activities and shaded seating add more ways for children and families to enjoy the playground during a visit to Wills Memorial Park.

Project highlights: Custom train-themed structures serve children ages 2–5 and 5–12, with locomotive panels, crawl tunnels, climbing features, elevated platforms, interactive activities and open and enclosed slides.

The surrounding play area adds multiple swing options, outdoor musical instruments, sensory equipment, poured-in-place safety surfacing and four shaded benches. Blue, green, tan and railroad-inspired finishes tie the different parts of the playground together.

The completed playground gives Wills Memorial Park a distinctive new feature rooted in La Plata’s railroad story. Children can move between climbing, sliding, swinging, musical and sensory activities, while the train theme gives the space a clear sense of place.

Shaded benches positioned around the play area provide comfortable places for parents and caregivers to sit while remaining close to the equipment. The fencing, poured-in-place surfacing and coordinated site details bring the different parts of the playground together.

Bliss Products and Services works with municipalities, schools and community organizations to create playgrounds, shade, site amenities and recreation spaces planned around each location and project.