LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
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The public remained involved with the project in a variety of ways. The Chicago Public Art Group led an after school program that allowed students to design and assemble, with the help of local artists, mosaics for concrete totem poles lining the main walk throughout the park. Building a "Sound" Foundation The area now called Mount Greenwood was established as a trading area in the early 19th century, named for a notable sand ridge covered with trees. The area was known in its early days as "Seven Holy Tombs" because of the many cemeteries in and around the hill. Located in a southwestern corner of the city, Mount Greenwood was not incorporated as part of Chicago until 1927, and modern plumbing and electricity did not arrive until 1936 – three years after the city hosted a World's Fair celebrating technological progress. Most of another century later, with the community's support, the renovations to Mount Greenwood's park playground spawned a new play area that creates an engaging, attractive, safe, accessible and educational play environment. Public art and interactive sculptures are integrated into the landscape, formed to reflect and respect the origins of the area. That foundation is shown in the design of the main walkway, which spirals out of the ground to a height of six feet and culminates at a custom designed 15-foot tall interactive spiral bell with chimes. This chime is just one of several interactive musical sculptures located within the park. Other interactive sound sculptures include a 14-foot tall cymbal, two steel drums, two xylophones and a rainmaker, which invite users to play them. Sculptor James Brenner Top Mounds covered by rubber play surfacing (Sof Surface Inc.) provide children with options to climb while trying to reach the top of the hill. The play surfacing allows users with mobility challenges to move through the park with ease. Marmo maple and 'Skyline' honeylocust trees were added to the site to provide visitors with more shade. Bottom The "bricolage" design provided by Chicago Public Art Group highlights the low ramp walls that provide an accessible route to the play structure. PHOTO CREDITS: HDG October 2012 67