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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access to the river is allowed via terraced seat blocks keyed into the bank improvements. At the eastern project terminus in Ahwaga Park, another information kiosk is placed within the small streetside plaza. Again, a stone-patterned concrete walk has been aligned near the easternmost building to minimize impacts to the park and existing trees. At the natural break in the bank, the path descends in a switchback formation, maintaining grade at five percent or less to eliminate the need for handrails. A stairway also joins at the top of bank and provides direct access to the new path below. Plantings Native plantings along the Riverwalk display seasonal color, have minimal maintenance needs, buffer views of service equipment and create a visual edge to the riverbank. Perennials were added as self-propagating species that can survive intermittent flooding and river silt. Ample lawns have been maintained in both parks for multipurpose activities, and a native grass meadow seeded behind Riverow. Tree plantings consist of a mix of linden, hawthorne, ash, maple, willow, serviceberry and river birch – all indigenous to the Susquehanna riverbanks. Site Amenities and Material Selections Site amenities such as period light poles, benches, trash receptacles and planters have all been located above seasonal flood elevations in both parks. Custom bike bollards are located in each park, as bikes are not allowed along the Riverwalk. The large precast concrete blocks, patterned to resemble quarried stone blocks in foundations, provided a means to incorporate safe, cool and functional LED lighting at the edges of the trail, additional seating during festivals and the ability to retain portions of the riverbank for accessibility. Top & Bottom Bluestone veneered stairs provide direct access from Draper Park to the Riverwalk. The trail's width accommodates service and snow removal vehicles, flood cleanup and landscape equipment. All concrete pavement joints were dowelled and sealed to assure a continuous surface with no threat of movement at the joints. February 2013 53