Southeast Metro Park: A Prehistoric Adventure!

In 1935, two UT geology students, W. Clyde Ikins and John Peter “Pete” Smith, made an extraordinary discovery: bones of a well-preserved mosasaur skeleton from the Late Cretaceous Period. The area was meticulously excavated, revealing even more parts of the skeleton. This find remains one of the most complete mosasaur skeletons ever uncovered. 

To honor this rich history, GameTime created a 30-foot-long play mosasaur in Southeast Metro Park, adjacent to the original excavation site. This unique play structure not only encourages children to stay active but also teaches them about the history of their community. 

GameTime's custom play division, Landmark Design, brought this mythical creature to life using glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) to craft a realistic skull. Its body is supported by durable metal pipes, intricately woven with strong cable ropes that invite children to climb up, down, and all around! For those who prefer a different kind of adventure, a hammock-style climber - made with our textured SureGrip™ material for added traction - offers a cozy crawl-through experience. Young explorers can complete their journey by traveling down the moving disks to the creature’s rear fin, where a little hut creates the perfect spot to rest and imagine new adventures.

Sprout Climbers are installed at varying heights and colors, creating the illusion of a vibrant coral reef. Adding to the scene, a custom GFRC sea turtle rests atop its own bed of coral, inviting children into a world of underwater adventure. Playful climbing spheres and half-spheres from our Playful Landscapes collection add extra dimension and character to the space, encouraging further exploration. The entire environment comes to life with custom poured-in-place (PIP) surfacing, artfully colored to resemble sandy shores and rolling ocean waves.

Custom playgrounds are a powerful way to spark curiosity among parkgoers and foster pride in a community’s unique identity. They serve as playful monuments - honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future. The only limit is your imagination!

Connect with your local GameTime representative today to discover how custom elements can transform your playground design into a proud hallmark of your community.