Tanner Springs Park continues to get international and national interest

On October 27, 2016 GreenWorks led a tour for the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture of Beijing University and staff of Landscape Architecture Frontiers publication. This tour group was particularly interested in technical issues related to: soil/vegetation approaches for water quality treatment; the ultra- violet finishing treatment that allows for human contact with the treated water; and soil capping issues for a former brownfield site. GreenWorks typically leads 4-6 tours per year since Tanner Springs Park opened in 2005. Tour groups have included national and international professional and environmental organizations and academic institutions. Visitors are interested in a variety of issues, including design inspiration, public involvement and outreach, and technical challenges.

Tanner Springs Design Team: Artist: Herbert Dreiseitl, Ueberlingen, Germany Landscape Architect: Dreiseitl/Waterscapes Inc. Ueberlingen, Germany Local Landscape Architect: GreenWorks PC, Portland Civil Engineers: KPFF Consulting Engineers, Portland Mechanical/Electrical Engineering: R&W Engineering Inc., Beaverton Fountain Engineering: CMS Collaborative, Santa Cruz Botany and Wetland Plants: Cooke Scientific Services, Inc., Seattle Construction: Slayden Construction, Slayton Client: City of Portland Parks and Recreation

GreenWorks Projects Showcased in Design Exhibit

Design Museum Portland is currently hosting Extraordinary Playscapes, a nationally touring exhibition focused on playground design. Two GreenWorks projects are among the five local Portland (and 40 international) playgrounds featured. Westmoreland Park Nature-Based Play Area and Khunamokwst Park, both designed for Portland Parks & Recreation, are showcased for their innovative ways of redefining playground design and inspiring imaginative play. The exhibit opened last night at Pacific Northwest College of ART (PNCA) and will run through December 17^th before continuing on its national tour. Several events are scheduled throughout the Fall, including a screening of The Land: Adventure Playground (October 20^th), a kids workshop on November 6^th, and a panel discussion entitled “How Portland Does Play” on November 17^th. (All events are at PNCA, 511 NW Broadway, admission is free). For more information, visit: www.designmuseumportland.org

Canemah Bluff Trails and Overlook

As the beautiful autumn weather draws you outdoors, head south for an autumnal amble through Canemah Bluff Nature Park. Canemah Bluff is a 300-acre natural area owned and maintained by Metro within Oregon City. More active park amenities include the playground, basketball court, and picnic tables at Canemah Neighborhood Children’s Park. Continue along the mile-long unpaved trails into the natural area for a chance to glimpse sparrows, red-breasted sapsuckers, white-breasted nuthatches, orange-crowned warblers, hawks and eagles.

GreenWorks recently completed the Canemah Bluff Trails and Overlook project, working closely with Metro to develop public access to the sensitive oak savannah and woodland. The project included improving hiking trails, a new boardwalk, new foot-bridge, and a scenic overlook.

A highly active and passionate neighborhood group provided the project team with valuable input. The project design reflects Metro’s and the neighborhood’s goals for minimal impact, yet provides a safe place for users to enjoy the natural area.

For more information, visit:

http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/canemah-bluff-nature-park

Spring Park Now Complete

GreenWorks recently completed this project for the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District in Milwaukie. NCPRD partnered with the City of Milwaukie to improve in-stream and riparian areas and add a new trail access at Spring Park. As the project Landscape Architect, GreenWorks analyzed the topography and sensitive areas to find the ideal location for a soft surface trail, boardwalk, and overlook that would improve access and provide excellent user experience within the restored riparian landscape. The area spans 6.9 acres and includes amenities such as a walking trail, picnic facilities, a playground and parking.

Washington Park International Rose Test Garden Accessibility Improvements Project

Now in the schematic design phase, the Washington Park International Rose Test Garden Accessibility Improvements project renovates a portion of the garden to increase accessibility and visitor enjoyment. In preparation for the Rose Garden’s Centennial Celebration in 2017, Portland Parks & Recreation tasked at team led by GreenWorks with this high-profile project. The primary goal is to ensure the public’s safety by removing barriers to access and provide accessibility upgrades to meet current ADA standards while maintaining and enhancing the historic character of the Rose Garden. GreenWorks managed a complex design team of engineers and accessibility experts providing site design, construction drawings and specification documents. An important component of the project was a 3-day design charrette with Portland Parks & Recreation and the design team, which GreenWorks facilitated. Additionally. GreenWorks provided 3D visualizations of design elements and developed presentation graphics for the public engagement process.

Couch Park Open House February 25th

Westmoreland and Crystal Springs Creek Receive APA Award for Sustainability

GreenWorks recently received a 2015 National APA Award for Excellence in Sustainability in the category of Sustainable Parks, Open Space and Recreation for their work at Westmoreland Nature Play area. GreenWorks worked with Portland Parks and Recreation to replace an aging playground with an innovative nature play area at the same time that Portland Bureau of Environmental Services led a stream enhancement /fish habitat improvement project on Crystal Springs Creek, which is adjacent to and an inspiration for the nature play area. The Award recognized both projects for creating a new place that connects watershed health, human health and livability.

Couch Park comment forms for the playground and plaza improvements are due Thursday December 10th.

GreenWorks was been hired by Portland Parks & Recreation to design the new playground, address accessibility issues in the plaza and install a new Portland Loo at Couch Park as part of the Parks Replacement Bond. We presented the three options below for the playground at an Open House on December 3rd . Online comments are due Thursday December 10th and can be found here: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/68915. One of the top priorities for the playground is for it to be inclusive, which mean that it should be designed for children of all ages and abilities. We have been working closely with Mara Kaplan from Let Kids Play http://www.letkidsplay.com/ who is a national expert and advocate for inclusive playground design. Mara was brought on to the design team to help us design a playground that provides exceptional play opportunities for all children.

October 8th - Couch Park Open House

GreenWorks is under contract to assist Portland Parks & Recreation with design and construction for the Couch Park plaza and playground improvements.  Come to the first Open House this Thursday, October 8th to learn about the project and share your thoughts and ideas.  See details below.

Westmoreland Recognized by Americans for the Arts

 

Westmoreland Nature-Base Play Area was honored as one of the best public art projects of the year by Americans for the arts. Click here for more details.