Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hitchcock Design Group
In the not-so-distant-past, a park project took a familiar path to become a reality. Leadership gathered to build a consensus on project priorities for the coming year. After careful consideration, Park X—the aging flagship park—was selected. The budget was set, based on the last neighborhood park completed, and the green light was given to proceed.
Once the director initiated the project and provided background and program definition to the design team, other leaders were included as needed. Community input was sought to refine the conceptual plans, and the desire for a large splash pad, shelter, or play environment, and the maintenance of the park’s prominence emerged as goals.
Technical drawings were prepared, but the costs were usually higher than anticipated. To help stay within the budget, several items were reduced or eliminated. Challenges regarding permits occurred, requiring native plantings to be added around a detention area and best management practices (BMPs) to be incorporated into the plan for stormwater runoff. The team was excited about the opportunity to “go green” and embraced this aspect of the design. Bids opened without issue, and the project was awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.