Westside Park

Westside Park intends to inspire a deep connection to the natural world while setting a new standard for sustainable development. Ecological education and accessibility were a top priority, with solar-powered amenities, QR-coded trail markers, and educational signage to encourage public awareness and engagement opportunities to learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna. A network of natural trails weave through the landscape, offering 0.4 miles of cleared pathways maintained in their natural state, minimizing disturbances to the native wildlife.

By safeguarding the site’s rare ecosystems while fostering meaningful human experiences, the park aims to become a living testament to the power of thoughtful design. This vision celebrates both the land’s ecological significance and its role in enriching the lives of those who visit.

LandDesign was tasked with creating a public park that honors the ecological significance of the unique site while providing opportunities for meaningful community engagement. The project required a minimal development footprint to protect the fragile landscape, including federally and state-protected species, wetlands, and a sinkhole.

Balancing ecological preservation with public access called for innovative solutions that extended beyond physical design. Strategies were needed to minimize environmental disruption, foster ecological education among visitors, and accommodate the needs of a rapidly growing regional population. Every aspect of the park’s development respects the delicate balance between safeguarding biodiversity and creating a space that invites exploration and connection.

Existing trees were meticulously preserved, with only smaller trees removed to make way for key features. The design incorporates Low Impact Development (LID) principles, such as integrated stormwater systems, bioswales, open spaces, and strategically placed plants to manage rainwater runoff. These features not only reduce environmental disruption but also support the natural hydrology of the site, improving water quality and enhancing groundwater infiltration.

With a modest municipal budget, the project also demonstrates that meaningful ecological conservation and sustainable design can be achieved affordably. Through thoughtful design and collaboration, Westside Park seamlessly blends public use with ecological preservation, ensuring its legacy as a cherished natural sanctuary for generations to come.