LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/107181
Above The dog walker is heading east on the Riverwalk and under the Court Street Bridge. The trees along the walk are a mix of linden, hawthorne, ash, maple, willow, serviceberry and river birch (Betula nigra 'Heritage', pictured left), all indigenous to the Susquehanna riverbanks. The linden's (Tilia cordata) were selected for their similarity to the many basswood trees that previously grew here. Owego, New York has long thrived on a rich history and connection to the Susquehanna River. Although this symbiotic relationship was critical in the economic and social development of this small upstate New York community, over the years the strength of this connection waned. It was from this historical desire to reconnect the village to the river once again that the Owego Riverwalk grew. Local discussions and planning for the trail began over 30 years ago (Riverow plan, J. Mowery, 1977). The historic Owego Marketplace, a nonprofit business organization that markets the commercial district regionally, rekindled the earlier vision. The project was formally initiated through NYSDOT in the spring of 2004 after federal monies were secured through Representative Hinchey's office for design and construction. In February 2005, the design team was selected to complete the Riverwalk. The master 50 Landscape Architect and Specifier News plan was created by HAAS Landscape Architects, in collaboration with Delta Engineers, both Binghamton, New York-based design firms with waterfront development résumés. The project went up for bid in the spring of 2009 and was awarded to ProCon Contracting of Vestal, N.Y. The project was completed in the spring of 2010. The Owego Riverwalk received an "Honor Award for Built Projects" in 2012 from the N.Y. Upstate ASLA Chapter. Project Challenges A multitude of environmental, property, engineering and funding issues had to be addressed early in the design work. The project corridor comprised 21 separate parcels and 16 owners. Permanent easements had to be negotiated with all owners to allow construction to advance. While no "hard connections" from the Riverwalk to Riverow were made as part of the plan, opportunities for such