|
|
|
A place for people young and old to learn about nature, relax, play, explore, and reflect...
|
MSU graduate student John Paul Portera points out some of the educational opportunities for people of all ages in his original park design for Highway 51 South. All four of the park designs are on display at City Hall in the council chambers.
Park plans...
Mystery, discovery, and surprise in an educational and ecological framework are common themes in four original designs given to Grenada park project committee members Thursday night. The presentations by the MSU graduate Landscape Architecture students represented hundreds of hours, thousands of dollars, and a gesture of friendship to all Mississippians. While the proposed park site on Highway 51 South may just look like a vacant lot to most people, to the professional eyes of four designers, the land is special, and strategically located. The designers identified sacred spaces and opportunities for people young and old to learn about nature, relax, play, explore, and reflect. Wildflower field Features such as a wildflower field beside the playground, a landscape sculpture representing miniature convex and concave Indian mounds, and a boardwalk/walking track around the property, were some of the original features the designers presented. Student designers told Grenada residents the park will not be a typical, structured facility, but everyone will feel right at home. For people who live, work and play in Grenada, they said some features may even provide a needed respite from the hectic modern rush. Role in community "I think we may all move too fast," said designer Brian Templeton. "It's about the possibilities-it's going to grow. Fashion it into something you'll enjoy." John Paul Portera said he also believes the park will play an important role in the community. "We're all pretty excited about this piece of land," he said. "This could bring the community together and provide education and recreation for people of all ages." Designer Kevin Wilsey said designs also deal with issues such as drainage and soil problems on-site, and provide opportunities to complete work in phases. Nature, recreation Wes Jones, who went back to school for his masters' after running a horticulture business on the coast for 12 years, said that by interweaving nature with recreation, Grenada can preserve traditions and create new ones. Many of the views in his design are hidden until seen from a particular viewpoint. "Mystery leads people to explore," he said. "I really feel that this park can be a nucleus for other city parks and will provide people of all ages options for recreation." Four plans According to Laura Reid, park project coordinator, elements from all four of the designs will most likely be incorporated into the city's new park. "We're really excited about the designs they have come up with," she said. "Their offer to design our park will put us way ahead, and we'll have something very special." Reid said the first hurdle in their fundraising campaign is to raise $50,000 so the playground equipment can be ordered. She said the committee is also seeking grants from different sources. The project designs will be on display in the council chambers of City Hall so that people can go by and study them. |
|
©The Daily Sentinel Star 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|