Creating Family-Friendly and Community-Oriented Spaces

jrolf3
Jul 8
2 min read

In today’s fast-paced world, fostering connection is more important than ever. At GLS, our architecture and engineering firm is reimagining spaces to bring families together and strengthen community bonds. By prioritizing family-friendly design and community-oriented environments, we’re creating places where people can gather, play, and grow—together.

A common park area with kids playing on green turf — City of Texarkana - Spring Lake & Grady Wallace Park

Why Family-Friendly and Community-Oriented Design Matters

Families need spaces that feel safe, accessible, and engaging for all ages. Community-oriented design goes a step further, encouraging interaction between neighbors and creating a sense of belonging. These principles guide our work, ensuring every project supports connection and inclusivity.

Key Elements of Our Designs

1. Safe and Accessible Spaces

Safety is the foundation of family-friendly design. We incorporate:

Soft edges and non-toxic materials to protect young children.
Universal accessibility with ramps, wide pathways, and braille signage for strollers, wheelchairs, and diverse needs.
Well-lit areas and clear sightlines to help parents keep an eye on kids.

For example, in our recent community park project, we used rounded benches and rubberized play surfaces to create a worry-free environment for families.

A playground area with turf and a bright red slide

2. Multi-Generational Appeal

Our spaces cater to everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. We design:

Play areas with climbing structures for kids and shaded seating for adults.
Flexible gathering spots for family picnics, book clubs, or senior fitness classes.
Interactive features like sensory gardens or public art to spark curiosity across ages.

A recent media center we designed includes a children’s reading nook alongside a cozy lounge for adults, encouraging families to spend time together.

A media center with bright lighting and comfy seating

3. Community Hubs

We believe spaces should foster connection beyond the family unit. Our designs include:

Communal areas like amphitheaters or pavilions for events, markets, or movie nights.
Shared resources such as tool libraries or community kitchens to encourage collaboration.
Green spaces that invite group activities, from yoga classes to neighborhood cleanups.

One downtown restoration recently included a plaza project that transformed a vacant lot into a vibrant hub with space for outdoor music festivals.

A downtown streetscape with colored lights above the street

4. Sustainability and Longevity

Family-friendly spaces should be built to last and respect the planet. We use:

Eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood or solar-powered lighting.
Low-maintenance designs to reduce upkeep costs for communities.
Native landscaping to support local ecosystems and teach kids about nature.

One of our recent schoolyard redesigns features an outdoor classroom, blending sustainability with education.

People walking through a covered concession area at a community park

Real-World Impact

Our work has already made a difference. In a recent community park project, local families reported feeling more connected after attending weekly events in the new sports complex. Parents appreciated the adjacent playground, where kids could play safely while adults socialized.

Looking Ahead

As cities grow and lifestyles evolve, the need for family-friendly and community-oriented spaces will only increase. At GLS, we’re committed to designing environments that nurture relationships and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a park, library, or neighborhood square, we’re building spaces where families and communities thrive.

Ready to create a space that brings your community together? Contact us to start designing a brighter, more connected future.