5 Sustainable Parks + Public Space that make an Impact
HGOR focuses on creating environments that are beneficial for both human uses and natural resource conservation in both the short and long-terms. Ideally, it is in harmony with the entire environment, both above ground and beneath the vegetation and soils. More attention is focused on selecting appropriate native plants, on minimizing human impacts on the environment, and on selecting other methods that will preserve the community’s natural resources and character and improve overall quality of life.
1. Marie Sims Park
Marie Sims Park’s design utilized a multi-tiered approach to storage – capturing the two-year storm and water quality within the lower wet pond and allowing major storms to spread out over otherwise usable space.
2. Chattahoochee Nature Center
Chattahoochee Nature Center’s (CNC)wetland itself will have an array of appropriate native species replanted after an extensive removal of invasive species currently existing. The campus’ water quality bioretention area that will be designed to accommodate current and future development stormwater capacity. The expansion is anticipated to complete in the Fall of 2020.
3. Johns Creek Environmental Campus
The campus exhibits sustainable landscape solutions through the predominant use of native plant material found in the Georgia piedmont. Landscape architectural design includes innovative ways to demonstrate the native palette’s strength and beauty. Site design also includes natural filtration, Bio- Swales, of storm water runoff located at visitor parking and service yards. Roof storm systems empty into an active stream supplied from re-use water of wastewater from the treatment plant.
4. Kathryn Johnston Memorial Park
3.4 acres park and convert the neglected space into a positive, vibrant public space that provides critical flood relief to the community in the form of green infrastructure and reduces negative impacts of polluted stormwater runoff and restore the natural habitat. 100% native and drought-tolerant landscape plantings and trees. Approximately 50% of the site will have its canopy restored in 10-15 years.
5. Grant Park Gateway
Sustainability infrastructure includes native plantings, as well as reuse of stormwater for irrigation. Mature trees removed in the process are being replaced with native species that will ensure long-term forest canopy health for the future of the park. Improvements to pedestrian circulation includes a gateway bridge at the park entrance, direct ADA circulation and enhanced pathways that overlook the existing stormwater pond.
