July Town Hall
Letters To The Editor
General Feedback:
"I have been taking the Landscape Architect and Specifier News magazine for many years. I have reached the age of 86 and have closed my practice and retired. Thank you for your kindness in providing the magazine for all of these years. I have saved all of them and now have a library."
Scott L., PLA, Texas
Firms of the Southwest Survey Question: "If you practice near the wildland-urban interface, how are fire-wise landscape principles shaping your design and plant selection decisions? What fire-wise design resources have you relied on to inform your work?"
"Recommending proper buffer zones around structures. Use of less-flammable species. Clearing dry matter from around properties. Eradication of invasive species which are highly flammable - in particular, Globe Chamomile (Oncosiphon pilulifer)."
Janet W., PLA, Arizona
"It is preventing trees from being planted. Fire ladders and all materials are becoming fire-retardant or proof. Where are we going to get gravel? It's not sustainable if every home has a five-foot perimeter of gravel. I'm thinking of buying a gravel quarry!"
Jeffrey G.S., PLA, California
Playgrounds Survey Question: "How do long-term maintenance realities shape your playground design decisions, and what design strategies have proven most durable over time?"
"If you cannot maintain it from the seat of a tractor, it might not get touched. That's the reality. So, PIP surfacing, proven and durable equipment with good reputations, long warranties, and exceptional manufacturer support are critical."
Anonymous PLA, Washington
"The most durable products are sought FIRST, and then play and adventure quality and creativity come after the most sustainable materials are selected."
Bob D., PLA, Texas
"[The city Parks & Recreation department has] tried to standardize on a single manufacturer over the last 7 years or so (we are currently using Landscape Structures) [...] We are considering opening it up to one more just to ensure we have good variety in our playgrounds, but we generally will not go beyond 2 manufacturers in order to simplify maintenance."
Anonymous, California
"Making sure PIP rubber is under shade improves its lifespan."
Tim J., PLA, California
"There are always maintenance realities that arise in certain scenarios where design can have an impact on longevity. Once recent instance of this is the use of PIP rubber surfacing near sand. The edge between the two materials does not seem to stand the test of time, and I witnessed degradation of the rubber material in just a one-year span. In future, I will advise customers that a better combination with sand is artificial turf, since turf uses sand to hold the artificial grass blades upright. Thus, a sand pit beside a turf play area causes minimal maintenance concerns other than material migration."
Tiffany T., Playground Structure Designer, Massachusetts
"Our designs are only as good as they are maintained. Listening to maintenance staff's input can make or break a project [...] Our profession needs to understand that the playground and rec. staff are the real experts in this field. We must take into account that these professionals deal with these areas constantly, and we need to heed their input."
Gilbert F., PLA, California
"I use logs and boulders throughout play spaces to retain surfacing, provide interest, and protect/define plant beds. While they don't prohibit kids from getting into the plants, they do protect them from fast chase games that can damage the plants. I also think carefully about future access and make sure that trucks can get in for replenishing surfacing and landscape maintenance. I also find developing a maintenance plan for natural play spaces helps guide responsible parties once the design is installed."
Anonymous PLA, Maine
"Trees that hang over the play areas really need to be assessed for risk, and hopefully by someone with risk assessment credentials. Gardeners and landscape maintenance people are not adequately trained for this."
Greg A., Arborist, California
As seen in LASN magazine, July 2026.
