David Smith Memorial Park Master Plan
Windsor, CA
Inclusive Design Meets Cultural Celebration
Gates Studio led the design of a long-range vision to transform the 8.5-acre park (formerly known as Pleasant Oak Park) into an inclusive, culturally rich community hub in the town of Windsor. Guided by extensive public engagement, the plan introduces all-abilities and nature play areas, interactive water play, flexible event lawns, shaded picnic spaces, and an enhanced dog park, all connected by accessible pathways and native landscaping. Pomo-inspired play features, interpretive walks, and gathering spaces honor the legacy of Kashia Pomo elder David Smith while celebrating the land’s Indigenous heritage. The Master Plan offers the Town a clear framework to guide future improvements that balance recreation, culture, community, and connection to nature.
This project was completed in 2026.
Key Considerations
Inclusive Play for All AbilitiesThe nature-themed and natural play areas were designed for all ages and abilities using input from an advisory committee. Accessible surfacing, companion seating, and culturally inspired features pair with an interactive water play plaza for year-round, sensory-rich play.
Honoring Indigenous Culture and LegacyCultural elements honor the Southern Pomo people and David Smith through basket- and acorn-inspired play features, bilingual interpretive signage, and an educational creekside walk. Native planting and gathering spaces support storytelling, cultural celebrations, and ecological education.
Balancing Recreation with Natural Preservation
Active-use amenities are situated away from the creek and habitat areas to protect mature trees and natural views. Native planting, bioswales, and shaded pathways preserve the park’s “oasis” character while supporting both recreation and environmental stewardship.
Neighborhood Compatibility and AccessThe plan minimizes impacts on nearby homes by centrally locating active areas and adding vegetated buffers and berms for screening. Improved ADA-compliant pathways, multiple access points, and modest parking expansion enhance connectivity without overwhelming the neighborhood.
From Ideas to Realization
Feedback from stakeholders, community members, and the Town informed the design of a welcoming, multi-generational park that highlights natural features, celebrates local Indigenous culture, and offers inclusive recreational opportunities.
Community members of all ages provided input to help shape the plan.
A Place for Everyone to Play
Inspiration Images for the Design
The park concept includes a nature play area that reflects elements of the local environment, such as this example designed by Earthscape Play.
Play features draw inspiration from local Indigenous culture, including this basket-themed climbing element by Sparks@Play.
The water play area is intended to operate during the spring and summer months and to function as a plaza or an extension of the adjacent picnic area during the off-season.
The all-abilities play area is a key component of the park concept, providing an inclusive and accessible recreation space for children.
