Mahan Rykiel Associates Inc. received the Honor Award in the Design Unbuilt category for Bennett’s Village Playground, an all- abilities playground concept for Pen Park in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The non-profit Bennett’s Village, Inc. hired Mahan Rykiel to design the playground in memory of five-year-old  Charlottesville native Bennett McClurken-Gibney who died in 2018 from Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a disorder that weakens muscle functionality.

The design intent of the Bennett’s Village project is to build a multi-generational, all abilities playground that is fun, safe, inspiring, and beautiful, advancing community-wide understanding about inclusivity, open space, nature, and play.

Bennett’s Village Inc. is currently raising money to have the park built. The organization is a 501(c)(3), which means that all donations are tax deductible. More information on how to donate and get involved can be found at : https://bennettsvillage.org/donate/