Landscape Architect & Specifier News

MAR 2018

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/952062

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 61 of 165

and accessible ramps were added to the roadway to offer direct and safe access to the park trails. Auburn Creek plays a critical role in defining the character and experience of the park. Framing the eastern limits of the park site, the creek was transformed from a degraded channel into a robust native environment that has encouraged habitat to once again make the canyon and creek home. The habitat restoration within Auburn Creek included the removal of invasive stands of Arundo donax, Shinus molle, and Ricinus communi, tenacious exotics that displace native habitat and the wildlife it supports. Through the efforts of this project, the invasive species have been eradicated and the creek banks have been revegetated with a range of native species. A series of informal trails and viewpoints let visitors closely observe the wildlife inhabiting the creek. A series of interpretive panels perched at the creek edge educate users about the local flora, fauna and the importance of preserving these precious creeks and canyon lands. QR codes on the panels encourage visitors to explore additional educational materials. The park design integrated the goals of the Chollas Creek enhancement plan and increased the habitat quality along the creek edge to give visitors opportunities to connect with nature in the heart of this southern California urban environment. The restored Auburn Creek has become a gateway for the children of City Heights to establish meaningful, lifelong connections with nature. The park was one of the first public projects to implement the innovative recommendations contained in the city's stormwater manual for low impact development (LID). The western edge of the park directly abuts Home Avenue, a bustling primary community street. A series of flow-through planters, vegetated with a variety of sedges, were installed along the interface between the park and street to cleanse runoff before it reaches Auburn Creek. These planters serve a vital water quality function while providing a physical and visual buffer separating vehicular traffic and park visitors. The active use component of the park is anchored by a large children's play area. This playground provides a diverse range of play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. The equipment, by Landscape Structures, includes play structures, climbing elements, slides, music play, swings, and spinners surrounded by a series of seating nodes. The play elements are intentionally urban in nature representing a nexus between the surrounding built and natural environments. Left: The western edge of the park directly abuts bustling Home Avenue. Installation of a traffic signal with pedestrian crossings and accessible ramps were added to the roadway to offer direct and safe access to the park trails. The park was one of the first public projects to implement the city's stormwater manual for low impact development (LID). A series of flow-through planters vegetated with a variety of sedges cleanse runoff before it reaches Auburn Creek. The concrete fencing incorporates cobbles. Right: The basketball court surface and striping is 'Acrylotex' (acrylic based). 62 Landscape Architect and Specifier News

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Landscape Architect & Specifier News - MAR 2018