Rebuilding joy by the sea in Port Aransas, Texas

When Hurricane Harvey swept through Port Aransas, Texas, it left more than physical damage; it disrupted daily life and the spaces where people gathered. But today, the sound of laughter has returned to Roberts Point Park. The new Turtle Cove Playground stands as a colorful, resilient reminder of what a community can achieve when it rebuilds with purpose, creating a space for connection, belonging, and everyday moments, all while reflecting the city’s deep connection to the Gulf Coast.

Port Aransas, TX
2025
Kraftsman Play
2 minutes

A new beginning shaped by nature and need

After the original playground was lost to the storm, Port Aransas took the opportunity to rethink what a public play space could be. The goal was clear: create a safe, inclusive, and lasting environment that could meet the demands of coastal life while celebrating the town’s deep connection to the sea.

To bring this vision to life, the city partnered with Halff and Associates, who led the overall design and site planning, and Kraftsman Playgrounds, who managed installation and construction. Lappset equipment was chosen for its long lifecycle, thoughtful design, and proven performance in demanding environments.

Designed to endure, created to welcome

With the playground’s close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the coastal environment shaped every detail of the design. Daily exposure to salty air, high humidity, strong winds, and UV radiation meant the team had to prioritise materials with proven resilience, ensuring the space would endure both the climate and time.

  • Sustainably sourced Northern pine, protected with a long-lasting wood preservative, brings natural texture and warmth to the space while harmonising with the surrounding seaside landscape.
  • LappCoat, our specialised surface treatment for carbon steel, combines galvanisation and powder coating to provide long-lasting protection against corrosion, enhancing safety, durability, and visual harmony across diverse environments.

By prioritising materials with proven longevity and low environmental impact, the team ensured that the playground was not just built to last but to serve future generations without compromise.

Working with Lappset on this coastal project was a seamless experience,” said Dillon Soderberg, Project Manager at Kraftsman Playgrounds.Their specialised materials, like marine-grade stainless steel, treated wood, and UV-resistant plastics, were perfectly suited for the harsh coastal environment, ensuring long-term durability and structural integrity. Every detail, from reinforced joints to wind load testing, was carefully considered. Lappset’s in-house team and onsite support made collaboration easy and installation smooth from start to finish.

The custom lighthouse play structure from Lappset stands as the focal point of the Roberts Point Playground project in Port Aransas, TX,” said Layne Olivo, PLA, LGPP, Landscape Architect Project Manager. “This centrepiece not only enhances the park's aesthetic appeal but also provides a unique and engaging play experience for children, making it the standout feature of the playground. It is a critical piece in establishing Roberts Park as a signature destination point for the city.

text liftup shape

A beacon for imagination and movement

At the heart of the playground stands a custom-designed lighthouse an eye-catching landmark that encourages climbing, exploration, and imaginative play. Inspired by the coastal character of Port Aransas, it offers a playful tribute to local heritage and a dynamic experience across multiple levels.

Surrounding the lighthouse, children can engage with:

  • Turtle sculptures that celebrate the area’s coastal wildlife
  • Natural climbing elements that build coordination and confidence
  • Interactive play panels designed for inclusive engagement
  • Accessible surfacing that welcomes users of all abilities

This thoughtfully layered environment supports movement, creativity, and social connection, all within a layout that reflects the spirit of the region and the values of the community.

Children at the grand opening shared:

“This is the best park that Port Aransas has ever made.”

“My favorite thing about the park is everything.”

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A lasting legacy of play and community

Turtle Cove Playground is more than a place to play; it’s a space for healing, connection, and shared stories. Thoughtfully designed and built to last, it reflects the spirit of Port Aransas and the power of play to bring people together.

By blending storytelling, community identity, and inclusive design, the playground creates more than moments of fun. It offers a meaningful space where imagination grows, relationships form, and the journey from recovery to renewal continues.

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