Dover-Root Park: 2015 Pocket Park Design Centered on Community Values and a Greener Future
|The task here is to design a small park in our city that is home to a number of activities to engage all types of community members. In order to capitalize on the spatial parameter of 14,500 square feet, the design will need to be carefully oriented so that the spaces not only flow, but are maximized by their location. The park should include plenty of opportunities to stay active, like a playground for children and a walking or jogging path for adults. Aside from exercise, the park should also provide community members with a place to gather and socialize, whether that be picnicking outdoors, or some sort of performing arts area where local groups could put on informal concerts or plays. The park should also be mentally stimulating too and should be designed with aesthetics in mind: so the key will be tying in beauty with functionality. That being said, a more secluded area for peace and quiet and simply admiring nature is imperative as well.
This park is intended to be built in an area of our community that receives heavy traffic and would be a convenient stop for many. In searching for a site that fit these parameters, I looked into a nearby field that is unkempt and vacant, but would fit into city plans to develop our city. This park borders a small golf course (intended to be partially demolished in the coming years and turned into a driving range), sits adjacent to a nursing and rehabilitation home, is across the street from a small restaurant and preschool, and is a 3 to 5 minute walk from a local hospital, a plethora of neighborhoods (and apartments which have little yard), and a school that caters to kids from K-12 (it is worth mentioning that neither school has an outdoor play area). This location is ideal not only because it sits in a location that can be accessed by foot, bike, or car, but also serves as a point for all age groups to converge. With kids from the schools and neighborhoods arriving for after school play, hospital workers and local adults within walking distance for their lunch breaks, and senior citizens and rehab patients looking to enjoy fresh air, this lot is bound to serve both the purposes of appreciating the landscape that our town has to offer, but also takes advantage of safe play for kids and a sociable atmosphere for all.
With a name that draws from Westlake’s previous name (Dover) and from its original pioneer (Joseph Root), Dover-Root Park would serve as not only a reminder of our city’s heritage but would be a place for community members to get active and involved year round. A place to play, exercise, join in local events like concerts or outdoor plays, and to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Because of its location, Dover-Root Park doesn’t just have the potential to make the area a more desirable place to live, but to bridge the generations and make for a stronger sense of pride and heritage that will push Westlake into a better future.
Comments
You've found some great parks to take inspiration from. I appreciate the variety of sketching and renderings that you used to show your design ideas. The final project used topography in a creative way to bring interest to the design and divide up the spaces.
Nicely done! You have provided very thorough research and made decisions based on what you found. I appreciate the time spent discussing your ideas and process throughout the project. I especially like the sketches and experimentation that you showed in the Develop Solutions step. Great Job!