Washington High School Plaza

LOCATION: Massillon, OH

CLIENT: Massillon City Schools

Behnke Landscape Architecture provided design services for the new entrance plaza in front of Massillon Washington High School, adjacent to Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

There were four key goals that the design needed to satisfy: First, provide a new modern entrance to the school; second, create several intimate gathering spaces that students could utilize during and after the school day. Thirdly, create a space that can be used on game day and during other events; and lastly, correct several stormwater issues that had plagued the previous plaza.

The design includes several intimate outdoor classrooms featuring tiered precast concrete seating with wood slats. Behnke worked with Streetlife to create a custom set of curvilinear picnic tables for the plaza, which have become popular student gathering spaces.

A consistent material palette was used throughout the site to maintain continuity and establish a sense of place. In addition, a dynamic lighting scheme was created that utilizes both colored lighting and underlighting so that the plaza can be enjoyed during the evening hours.