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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92 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Dust Devil Park (Continued from page 90) limiting cracking, and enforced best industry practices for hot weather installation. The skate plaza is a good example. To make the ride surface more appealing to the majority of skateboarders, you minimize the number of control joints. However, minimizing the control joints over a larger concrete area increases the likelihood of cracking, and future maintenance problems. With extra attention to concrete placement criteria, details and development of a custom concrete mix design, Dust Devil Skate Plaza contributed to the advancement of skate park construction, techniques which are likely to be implemented in future projects. The same level of detail was applied to other concrete elements, like the rivulet's shotcrete installation, and the custom cast-in-place ornamental light pole bases. The bases incorporate a custom self-consolidating mix design typical of precast manufacturing, which made constructing the detailed decorative relief "reed" designs feasible. Future Value One of the project's key items of future value to the profession is that canal corridors do not have to remain unsightly obstructions or barriers to knitting together a community. Canals offer tremendous potential as positive and inviting civic and public use spaces. The valley is finally realizing this opportunity. Through open communication from the onset of the project with the utility owner, their maintenance requirements, setup areas, turning movements, etc., can be understood and balanced with implementing recreational amenities. Social, Economic and Sustainable Development Considerations This park serves as an example of creatively fusing artistic elements and sustainability with hard engineering. The functionality of these artistic elements and sustainable practices are apparent and tangible to Above The basketball courts are coated with a colored epoxy for durability. From the courts you get an appreciation of the size of the larger ramadas (40-ft. dia.). The custom light pole bases (Spec Formliners, Inc.) have reed motifs cast into them in keeping with the riparian theme of the park. Areas to sit and gather are incorporated throughout the park, from formal benches to boulders and grassy hills. Trash receptacles and recycling receptacles are abundant. (Continued on page 106) 84-93.indd 92 2/28/14 5:10 PM