The artist worked with the design firm of Cella Barr and Associates for the development of the redesigned Kiddieland Adventure Playground at Encanto Park. Through participation in a series of workshops, the artist recommended an overall design concept for the site. The project consists of a whimsical entrance piece, which includes a series of 10-foot high concrete columns arranged in an arc just inside the playground entrance and crowned with an assortment of polychrome enameled, metal geometric shapes. In addition, the project includes six individual single-column pieces scattered throughout the site. Serving as a landmark for Kiddieland, the artist describes the project as "A cross between a controlled explosion and Mr. Potato Head, with the Arizona sun rising in it."

The Spanish word “encanto” translates in English to “enchanted”, making it a proper title for a park which is now home to an Adventure Playland. Encanto Park has been a favorite birthday party location for a number of years and, with the redesigned playground, it continues to be a welcome site for children in the city of Phoenix.

Kiddieland, as residents affectionately know this portion of the park, was closed in 1986 due to age and decay. After a five-year shutdown, the area received a facelift complete with brightly colored carnival rides, buildings for shade, and a renovated 1948 “Flying Jenny” carousel. The vibrant metal flags distinguish the entrance, reminding citizens that this is a place to dream, explore, and play.

The project was designed collaboratively between landscape architects at Cell Barr Associates, Jones and Mah Architects, and artist Peter Shire, all of whom worked to ensure that the park would be accessible and safe while promoting the spirit of exploration. Children living in the Encanto area were asked to draw pictures of an adventure that they would like to take part in. The resulting sketches included rapids and rafts, ships which were connected by communication tubes, and a crow’s nest made of climbing equipment, just to name a few. These ideas were then transformed into the features that now make up the features surrounding the playground.

About the Artist
Peter Shire is a California based artist whose whimsical style stems from a West Coast postmodern background. Often quite complex, Shire’s sculptures combine geometrical forms with asymmetrical harmony.