ADAMA SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

AND ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE DEPARTEMENT

LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROJECT

PHASE I

Contents
History of Landscape.................................................................................................3
 Landscape Design..................................................................................................3
Ancient Origins of Landscape Design...................................................................3
Types of open space design.......................................................................................5
Neighborhood Park................................................................................................6
Design of open space.................................................................................................6
General design guidelines......................................................................................7
Materials.................................................................................................................8
Choosing Appropriate Playground Equipment for a Park...................................9
Incorporate the Right Site Furnishings into the Layout......................................9
Case study................................................................................................................10
Local Case Study on Unity Park..........................................................................10
The Features of Unity Park................................................................................11
INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY: KLYDE WARREN PARK......................14
Design Goals/Objectives.........................................................................................16
REFERENCE..........................................................................................................17
History of Landscape

The origin of the word ‘landscape’ comes from the Germanic languages. One of the oldest
references in the Dutch language dates from the early thirteenth century when ‘lantscap’
(‘lantscep’,‘landschap’) referred to a land region or environment. It is related to the word ‘land’,
meaning abordered territory, but its suffix -seep refers to land reclamation and creation, as is also
found in.
Landscape expresses the (visual) manifestation of the territorial identity. The earliest realistic
representations of landscape date from the fifteenth century, in particular in Renaissance painting
and emphasize visual character and symbolic meanings. Landscape became also an expression of
human ideas, thoughts, beliefs and feelings.
Landscape does not only refer to a complex phenomenon that can be described and analyzed
using objective scientific methods, it also refers to subjective observation and experience and
thus has a perceptive, aesthetic, artistic and existential meaning.

Landscape Design
Landscape design is the art of arranging the features of an area of land for  and/or practical
reasons. It is often divided into two major components:  (the nonliving elements, such as
pavers) and  (the living elements, such as flowers).

Ancient Origins of Landscape Design

At the core of landscape design’s history is agricultural development. Beauty and aesthetic
function evolved from there, with ancient Japanese gardens designed to facilitate meditation and
spiritual connection and ancient Chinese gardens designed as both reflective and social spaces.
The two marked features of landscape design are softscaping, utilizing living elements such as
trees and flowers, and hardscaping, utilizing non-living additions such as water features, paths,
statues and patios. In Japanese gardens, water features were often incorporated in hardscaping
while in Chinese gardens, the plants in softscaping often had symbolic, spiritual meaning.
Popularization of Landscape Design
Despite these ancient origins likely dating even further back, the earliest recorded example of
landscape design is said to be the  from the 6th century BC. Even then, landscape design isn’t
said to have been popularized until it reached the ancient Romans. Their accreditation for the
landscape design’s rise is due in part to the fact that they transformed it from something only
done for the elites to a practice applied in every home garden. 
From the ancient Romans, landscape design lost momentum during the middle Ages and was
rediscovered by Italy, France and England, respectively, in the 17th century, and was applied to
elaborate piazzas, ornate gardens, large parks and even Versailles. The 17th century also saw the
rise of cottage-style landscape design, a compact form of gardening that would eventually serve
as inspiration for modern day suburban landscaping.

The earliest surviving detailed  plan, dating from about 1400 BCE, is of a garden belonging to an
Egyptian high  official at Thebes. The main entrance is aligned on a  (trellis-bordered) walk of
vines leading directly to the dwelling. The rest of the garden is laid out with tree-lined avenues,
four rectangular ponds containing waterfowl, and two garden pavilions. Although rigidly
symmetrical, the garden is divided into self-contained walled enclosures, so that the symmetry of
the whole could not have been apparent to the viewer. Such a highly developed pattern argues a
considerable incubation period, and it is likely that similar enclosed pleasure gardens had been
designed as early as 2800 BC.

The gardens of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia were of three kinds: large, enclosed game reserves,
like the garden of Eden described in the  (Old Testament); pleasure gardens, which were
essentially places where shade and cool water could be privately enjoyed; and sacred enclosures
rising in man-made terraces, planted with trees and shrubs, forming an artificial hill such as the .

Roman gardens derived from the Greek, those in the seaside resorts of  and  (1st century BCE)
following the Hellenistic pattern. These small, enclosed town gardens were visually extended by
landscapes painted on the walls. Throughout the imperial period, the more ambitious villa
gardens flourished in many forms on sites carefully chosen for climate and aspect.
2. Types of open space
Today’s parks tend to fall into two overall categories – active parks and passive parks, with
passive parks being most common. These self-generated spaces provide areas for unscheduled
activities, such as open trails, picnic spots and areas for running or biking. Passive parks might
be located in a neighborhood, a high traffic city block or a rural community.

Active parks are different in that they have administrated, scheduled and programmed facilities
that typically require registration or fees in order to use them. These might include sports fields,
swimming pools, gymnasiums, and skate parks. The additional activities and higher density
creates the need for more maintenance, administration and staff.

Within the definitions of active and passive falls a much broader sub-list of parks. These
include neighborhood, urban, historic, conservation, national, state, linear, theme…..the list goes
on and on. They all provide different uses, activities, ownership and protections for the land they
reside within. Here’s a quick review of the four most popular types:

2.1. Public space, Parks

Parks are strategically located areas of land for the primary function of providing active and

passive recreation opportunities. A secondary function is one of the conservation of sustainable

Natural ecosystems with a goal of natural environment stewardship.

2.2. Parkland classification

 Mini Park

Mini parks are small pieces of parkland meant to serve a residential or business area within one‐
quarter mile radius. Due to their limited service potential and maintenance inefficiencies their
acquisition and development should be limited.

 Neighborhood Parks

A Neighborhood Park is the smaller type of BREC parks meant to serve the citizens living within
walking distance of the park. Neighborhood Parks remain as the core facility of the BREC park
system and serve as the recreational and social focus of neighborhoods throughout all of East
Baton Rouge Parish. The concentration in Neighborhood Parks is on informal activity,
programmed activity, passive recreation, and community cohesion.
There are over 100 neighborhood parks that BREC has completed a range of improvements
and/or new construction to over the past ten years of Imagine Your Park 1 funding. The average
Neighborhood Park size is 15 acres but can range anywhere between approximately 1 and 60
acres.

 Community Park (Kebele)

Community parks are larger in size and serve several adjoining neighborhoods or

several square miles of residential development, as well as preserve unique landscapes and

open spaces. They should allow for group activities and offer other recreation opportunities not

feasible or desirable at the neighborhood level. As with neighborhood parks, they should be

developed for both active and passive recreation activities. Surrounding uses should be

predominately single or multi‐family residential and most areas of the park should be readily

visible from adjoining streets in order to provide a secure environment.

2.3. District Park (Sub-City)

District parks serve a broader purpose than community parks and should be used to

supplement community and neighborhood parks when the smaller parks are not adequate to

serve the needs of the community. Focus is on meeting community based needs, as well as

preserving unique landscapes and open spaces

2.4. Regional Park (City-wide)

These parks are generally natural resource‐based, are typically located along

Waterways or near bodies of water, and have the potential for a wide range of uses.

However active areas should be located relatively close to one another with large

Surrounding areas of preserved natural or open space.

Population Served: Entire city, possible communities surrounding the city and visitors
from other parts of the state.

Location and Access: The location would be determined by resource availability and

Opportunity to utilize and/or protect the resource. The site should be serviced by arterial

and collector streets; easily accessible from throughout its service area by way of public

transit and interconnecting trails; and has reasonable expressway access when possible.

Publicly owned land to serve a regional population service area with Natural

Environmental, Cultural/Historical, Active and Passive Recreation Themes.

 Serve several combined districts

 Indoor/Outdoor Sports Complex

 linked to several districts 25 kilometer catchment area can include sports fields, courts,
swimming pools, running track and significant parking area 150 meter recommended
minimum frontage

2.5. Corridors

 greenway corridors

 utility corridors

 boulevards

 cultural heritage landscapes

 environmentally sensitive area

2.6. Public gardens

Neighborhood space designed, developed, or managed by local residents on vacant

land; possibly including viewing gardens, play areas, and community gardens;

often developed on private land; not officially viewed as part of open space system of cities;

often vulnerable to displacement by other uses such as housing and commercial development
The distinguishing characteristic is that community/public gardeners grow their produce on

shared lots that have been divided into smaller plots of land for each household‘s use (usually

for a small fee). Distribution of land does not come without much organization and program

development to coordinate gardeners, manage land and resources, and facilitate educational or

social activities and disputes.

Some gardens may have larger goals of education, community supported agriculture

entrepreneurship, or food bank gardening.

2.7. Squares and Plazas

A plaza (pron.: /ˈplɑːzə/) is an open urban public space, such as a city square. In modern usage,

a plaza can be any gathering place on a street or between buildings, a street intersection with a

statue, etc. Today's metropolitan landscapes often incorporate the "plaza" as a design element,

or as an outcome of zoning regulations, building budgetary constraints, and the like.

Here are some types of parks:

1. Urban Park – An urban park is a public park or green space which offers recreation and
leisure to residents and visitors of a city or town. They are typically owned and maintained by
the local municipality. They can combine elements of active and passive parks by including open
lawns, playgrounds and biking trails along with organized sports fields. One of the most well-
known urban parks is  in New York City which is a neighborhood park

2. Linear Park – A linear park is essentially a park that is substantially longer than it is wide.
They can be comprised of old railroads that have been converted to trails (aka “rails to trails”) or
strips of public land joined together to form a contiguous public space. One well-known example
is the 1.5 mile repurposed railway in New York City called . Another is the 33 miles of trails
connecting numerous larger parks in Atlanta called THE BELT LINE

3. National Park – National parks are the largest of the four types of parks. They tend to be
thousands of acres and are created to protect some of the nation’s most beautiful areas of land.
Not all national parks are full of trails, trees, and lakes.  in Washington DC is a national park you
might have visited (think Washington Monument) without realizing you were at a national park
at all. All of these parks are owned, maintained and controlled by the federal administration
called .

4. State Park – State parks are much like national parks in that they are protected areas of land.
However, they are controlled by state administration rather than federal. State parks typically
have activities such as long-distance trails, state beaches, recreation areas, kayaking, camping,
nature preserves and even historic sites. State parks don’t have the name recognition like their
national park brethren, but they get much more attention attracting approximately 725 million
visitors each year versus the 276 million to federal parks.

3. Design of open space

The Parks and Open Spaces Standards and Guidelines include four key components:
Principles and Criteria - These provide a framework and the action items so that parks can be
designed to meet the long term needs of the community. These principles include Quality of
Life, Connectivity and Integration, Diversity and Inclusivity, and Sustainability and
Conservation.
Classifications - These provide direction on the different types of parks to be included in an
area’s structure plan or a park’s master plan to provide well-balanced, cohesive parks and a
logical open space system. Each of the classifications are intended to define the park’s purpose,
use and open space, ensure the open parks system provides opportunities across the entire city,
ensure the park is functional and accessible, provide design guidance and requirements for each
park and open space, and help developers and the City evaluate how well the system is meeting
City requirements. The classifications of parks include Conservation Park, City Park,
Community Park, Neighborhood Park, Urban Square/Plaza, Special Use Area and Connector.
Amenities - These provide direction on which recreation amenities could be provided at each
park. Some possible amenities that are considered, depending on the park’s classification,
include ice surfaces, signage, furnishings (like barbeque or fire pits, bike racks or picnic tables),
shelters, sports courts, washrooms, and other elements like trails, off-leash dog areas, and
playgrounds, sliding hills or parking lots.

Evaluation - Learning is the key to success! The City of St. Albert uses a comprehensive
evaluation tool to help understand how well an area structure plan or neighborhood park master
plan design meets the City’s Open Space Standards and Guidelines. Parks, upon review of each
evaluation criteria, can meet expectations, require improvements or have a criterion not apply to
a specific park (for example, if evaluating a conservation park, flexibility and adaptability, two
of the criteria, may not be appropriate aspects of the park’s assessment).
 3.1 General design standards & guidelines
Closed networks of pedestrian accessible routes rather than discontinuous units of accessible
design are essential for a pleasant experience for most people. Small and large loops are
generally desirable for all. Places to stop and rest should be provided. If a path is narrow, passing
space for two wheelchairs must be provided at periodic intervals (most wheelchairs are 800-900
mm (32-36 in) wide and a 900 mm (36 in) path minimum is required on an Accessible Route).
Maneuvering around fixed objects requires more space as well. Places to stop and rest should be
level and large enough so that a wheelchair can "park" safely ramps should not exceed 2% in
developed areas, and 3% in more natural or primitive areas (due to construction constraints) .
Objects which are non-detectable by cane and protrude into the Accessible Route must be
avoided or marked according to specifications. Audible cues, such as falling water from a
fountain and even vegetation, can aid greatly in non-visual orientation of a path system.
The illustrations in this guide are examples of quality land- scape design which address specific
site conditions. This document addresses the following:
 Landscape Design Process: - Used to develop a landscape project which is part of the
BCP.
 Landscape Elements: - Consist of various components (i.e., vegetation, land forms, water
features, etc.) that are combined to form a landscape plan.
 Landscape Site Concerns: - Address the typical site components (i.e., parking, open space
and natural areas, buildings, etc.) through the use of landscape elements.
 Development Guidelines: - Provide the major functional areas of the base and successful
landscape solutions for each.
 References - A listing of documents for additional guidance.

Human spatial standards are derived from ergonomic and cultural data and vary widely across
cultures and land-use settings .
Standards are often established to provide :
1 . Minimal safety clearances (ergonomic/ legal)
2 . Perceived user comfort (psychological/perceptual)
3 . Ceremonial protocol (cultural/ ritual)
4 . Aesthetic choice (personal/cultural)
A. Spatial standards
Fig. typical vertical and horizontal garden clearances

Fig. elements of pedestrian & vehicular landscape

Solar Path, Receipt, and Shadows
Each climate zone has an ideal solar orientation based upon theoretical models which track solar
receipt and loss throughout the daily and annual solar cycles. However, modern super-insulated
structures and sound site planning strategies combine to establish a general principle favoring
SSE to SSW structure siting in northern latitudes, with eastern or western biases determined by
local conditions. Solar charts are useful for identifying the altitude angle of the sun at various
times of year, to insure that buildings, topography, or vegetation do not obscure the sun from
solar collectors, outdoor gathering spaces, or windows designed for passive gain.
Tree shadows:
The ultimate shadow length of an existing or proposed tree in northern latitudes can be
calculated by using the altitude angle of the sun at noon on December 21. The height of the tree
divided by the tangent value (tan) of the altitude (°) will provide the distance required between
the structure and the tree or object that is casting the shadow. A 20% slope in a cold climate will
allow a tall tree to be planted relatively close to a structure without obscuring solar access.
Building Spacing:
There is a relationship between the solar altitude at noon on December 21 by latitude position,
and the distance required between buildings of a specified height so as to avoid an obscuring
shadow.

Fig. Solar path around the earth on the 21st day of each month of the year.
Wind Management
Wind, both favorable cooling and unfavorable chilling, can be diverted by altering vegetative
cover, using mitigating structural devices, and by strategic use of existing and proposed earth
forms. Most studies of wind augmentation stem from agricultural research aimed at raising soil
temperature in cold climates by reducing wind chill through the use of planted and structural
shelterbelts.
Shelterbelt Design: shelterbelt studies and indicates that the longest wind shadow is produced by
a shelterbelt density of 50-65% mass to void ratio. This translates into mixed deciduous and
coniferous plantings or vertically slatted fencing. The figure further shows that shelterbelt
plantings create a windward and a leeward zone of diminished wind velocity of 6 times and 25
times the shelterbelt height (H) respectively. It suggests two principles:
1. Windward Siting: Activities requiring the benefits of prevailing cooling breezes should
be not be located too close to the windward side of a building, tree group, or topographic
feature, because the breeze will lift over the mass and create a stagnant air pocket.
2. Leeward Siting: Activities requiring protection from chilling winds should be located
within the 4-6H zone of reduced wind velocity for maximum effect, but should not
preclude the beneficial effects of prevailing cooling breezes, which typically emanate
from the opposite direction.
Topography

Elevation
3.2. SPACE
Community park means any property in the city which that is designated as a park by
resolution of the city council of the City of El Paso, that is set aside or operated for
public recreational purposes, utilities whether dedicated or developed as a park or
not. "Community park" includes recreation facilities, fountain, playgrounds, parking
lots, driveways, pedestrian paths pathways, and other areas within a park. It is larger
in size and serves several adjoining neighborhoods or several square miles of
residential development, as well as preserve unique landscapes and open spaces.

3.3Materials
Just as the palette of plant materials is limited in the main to those which are indigenous, so is
it also with the materials of construction. Wall stone from local quarries seems most appropriate.
Crushed stone and gravels exposed as aggregate, bricks made of local clays, lumber from trees
that grow in the vicinity, and mulches made of their chipped or shredded bark all seem right in
the local scene. Even the architectural adaptation of the natural earth, foliage, and sky colors
relates the constructions to the regional setting.

3.3.1Soil
Some properties of soils can be readily deduced from knowledge of soil type, while
others can only be determined by careful field and laboratory testing, especially urban
soils which are not presently mapped except in rare cases . The properties of a soil
that are relevant to consider depend on the type of land use and development
proposed.

3.1.2 Concrete
Long gone are the days of expansive slabs of flat, boring concrete that we used to
call patios. Today, concrete can come in a variety of colors, and designs that look
nothing like your parents old patio. New techniques allow the concrete's surface to be
transformed into an endless array of possibilities. While more expensive that the just
plain old gray, the added expense is well worth investigating for a truly spectacular
result.
3.1.3 Stone/Brick
Brick is one of the easiest construction materials to use and is readily available. Building a walk,
terrace, or patio can be a weekend project. Laying brick on sand/stone base (with or without
mortar) is an acceptable landscape practice. For patios and walkways, especially in areas that
have freezing temperatures, you will need to excavate 6" - 10" of earth and fill with a
compacting gravel and then leveled with sand before laying the brick in place.

3.1.4 Granite
They are very hard and durable, but expensive and rarely found in large slabs.

3.1.5 Slate
It is good but expensive. They usually split to natural riven face.
3.1.6 Tiles and mosaics
They are limited to small areas of special emphasis. A large variety of sizes, shapes and colors
are available.

3.1.7 Setts Granite

It is most common with hardest wearing surface, but limestone and whinstone setts are also
made. They are laid with a fairly flush surface - a rough surface to discourage access, used to
create bold patterns or as scaling down trim.

3.1.8 Cobbles
Random, roughly coursed or laid in patterns. On 2‖sand lay 2‖ concrete and then lay the cobbles.
3.1.9 Timber
Paving material on terraces and patios where its resilience, lightness and smooth surface drainage
can be utilized.

3.1.10 Mulch
Substances spread on the ground to protect the roots of plants from extreme temperature and
moisture changes. Mulch may be manure, sawdust, leaves and grass, cereal chaff, peat moss,
straw, or even stones. The term is also applied to a layer of fine, loose, dry surface soil called
dust mulch, which is maintained around plants to check evaporation of moisture and promote
aeration of the soil. Organic materials used for mulching, in addition to protecting the plants,
decay in time and enrich the soil. Weeds grow sparsely in the mulched area. Natural mulch is
formed by fallen leaves and by decaying non-woody plant parts. Horticulturists have also used
shredded tree bark, wood chips, vermiculite, and black polyethylene film.

3.1.11 Planting
Planting excellence is also systematic. It articulates and strengthens the site layout. It develops
an interrelated pattern of open, closed, or semi enclosed spaces, each shaped to suit its planned
function. Planting extends topographical forms; en frames views and vistas, anchors freestanding
buildings, and provides visual transitions from object to object and place to place. It serves as
backdrop, windscreen, and sunshield. It checks winter winds. It catches and channels the summer
breeze. It casts shadow and provides shade. It absorbs precipitation, freshens the air, and
modifies climatic extremes. Aside from serving these practical functions, plants in their many
forms and varieties are also pleasing to the eye. But even their beauty is increased if there is an
evident reason behind their selection and use.
Fine plantings, like any other fine work of design, have a fundamental simplicity and discernible
order. Many experienced landscape designers limit their plant lists to a primary tree, shrub, and
ground cover and one to three secondary trees, shrubs, and supplementary ground cover—
grasses, herbs, or vines, with all other supporting and accent plants comprising no more than a
small fraction of the total. Except in urban settings, the large majority of all plants used will be
native to the region and will therefore fit and thrive without special care. Essentially, each plant
used should serve a purpose, and all together should contribute to the function and
expressiveness of the plan.

HAZARDOUS AND NOXIOUS PLANT SPECIES

Hazard Species Comments
Poisonous plants Holly, Yew, Privet, laurel, Children may attempt to
rhododendron sample bright colored berries
or leaves
Debris : fruits and nuts Crap apple, plum, cherry, oak, Long, strap-like rods, berries,
chestnut, hickory, walnut cones, and nuts can be
slippery or difficult to walk
on. They are easily tracked
into buildings and can stain
clothing if sat upon
Cones Pines, spruce, fir, larch, hemlock Cones, while having many
decorative uses,
can cause problems for
pedestrians and
small-wheeled vehicles on
walkway surfaces.

Vegetative buffers use permanent vegetation strategically located to enhance ecological

functions and landscape conditions, including:
– Stable and productive soils;
– Cleaner water;
– enhanced aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitat and populations;
– protected crops, livestock, and structures;
– enhanced aesthetics and recreation opportunities; and
– Sustainable landscapes

Importance of plants is:

 Visual Enhancement - Vegetation strengthens the appearance of the
installation and improves the users’ quality of life.
 Wind Control - Strategic placement of trees and shrubs helps to break,
guide, and deflect wind currents.
 Erosion Control - Ground cover and turf reduce the amount of soil
surface exposed to natural forces. The root structure binds the soil, thereby
reducing erosion potential.
  Noise Reduction - Dense foliage and earth berms effectively reduce noise
levels by absorbing sound waves.
 Climate Modifications - Vegetation helps reduce temperatures by
shading the ground and by the cooling effect of water emitted from its
foliage.
 Energy Conservation - Deciduous trees (trees which lose their foliage)
shade building surfaces in the summer and, as a result, reduce the demand
on air conditioning systems. During winter months, sunlight passes
through the trees to provide natural solar heat for the building’s interior.
 Wildlife Conservation - Diverse vegetation types pro- vide wildlife
habitat for nesting, shelter, and food.
 Air Purification - Vegetation is a natural filter that removes dust and
pollutants from the air.
3.1.12 water
Municipal Water
Most landscape projects use potable water provided by the local water district.
Research necessary at the outset of an irrigation project includes:
1. The possibility of an alternative source of water that would be more cost-effective
on a long-term basis.
2. A determination of existing static pressure in municipal lines (including high and
low times), of the size of the main line in closest proximity to the project site, and of
any local codes that may be pertinent to the installation of an irrigation system.

Lakes, Ponds, Reservoirs, Streams, and Rivers

Natural bodies of water can be used very effectively, depending on the riparian rights of that
water. Design considerations include:
1. Pump capabilities and the power (usually electric)required to operate the pump.
2. The quality of water at different seasons during usage (filtration must usually be provided).
3. The possibility of having to transport water from one source to a holding pond or reservoir
(depending on the water requirements). This is especially common in golf course applications,
where even potable city water is used on occasion to maintain water levels in a body of water
that is ultimately used for irrigation.
Wells
High water tables are a good source of irrigation water, even forsm all installations. Design
considerations include: 1.Theamountofwateravailable, i.e., how much consistent flow is realized
(sometimes water is available, but replenishment is not achieved at arate adequate forthe system's
demand). 2. The amount of sand particles pumped with the water. Sprinkler headswith small
orifices in the nozzle may have to be avoided.
Effluent Water
Effluent water (also referred to as recycled water, gray water, sewage effluent, waste water, and
recycled sewage) is basically liquid sewage from a municipal sewage plant or industrial plant
which has been treated and is ready for disposal. Effluent water is more than 99 percent pure
water and by recent federal legislation is treated in a manner similar to drinking water.
3.1.13 Pavement Materials
Different types of pavement materials serve various purposes. They can provide the
following:
▪Spatial Definition - Use various pavement types, colors, shapes, and sizes to
define
outdoor spaces.
▪ Sense of Direction - Various surface patterns and colors define movement
and direction.
▪Spatial Character - Texture and color of surface materials can project a
unique character to the area.
▪Warnings - Use an abrupt variation of pavement color, texture, or size to
signal level changes, roadway inter- sections, or other hazardous conditions.

Provide Options for Multiple Park Activities; most parks in residential areas do plan for
playground equipment as a must-have feature. There’s a massive amount of ingenuity and
creativity that goes into designing today’s modern playground equipment. Consider these
potential features for our park area and park playground:

Choosing Appropriate Playground Equipment for a Park

Playground structures often include several components and designs specialized for , while
individual components give you the opportunity to customize. Age group ranges for play
equipment are often broken into the following categories: two to five years for preschoolers, two
to 12 years for inclusive play and five to 12 years for active or older kids. Some community park
playground components often include:
: From  to the  you remember from your playground experiences, these panels promote
interactive social skills and learning throughout the playground.
: A  or  bridge is an opportunity to travel between playground components and decks.
: Enjoy a  or , or even a . Having a variety of climbing components in the playground means kids
of all ages can play.
: Different angles and lengths —  or  — lets kids explore where tunnels lead.
: Climbing to new heights often results in a new view, and  with multiple decks give kids a
chance to see the playground from a new angle.
: Kids can learn about levels, degrees and changes in slope with a few well-placed .
: A playground wouldn’t be complete without at least one  or .
: Moving through tubes, across bridges and up or down ramps is all the more interesting when
there are  and  to climb along the way.
: Adding accessories to your playground, like  and  to name just a few customization options,
adds to the fun.

Incorporate the Right Site Furnishings into the Layout

No community park design is complete without specifying site furnishings. These are features
that enhance the visitor experience and make visitors more comfortable and likely to enjoy their
time at the park. This is where your imagination might clash with your budget, but there’s no
dispute that the right amenities worked into your park plan will pay back. When choosing site
furnishings for a park, here are some components to consider:

: More and more, bicycles are returning to popularity. It’s part of a community fitness and
pollution reductions movement. Secure bike racks should be included in your design.
 and : Every park needs adequate seating components. That can be standard park benches or
combined with picnic tables. The best seating components are durable and made of lasting
materials.
: You can’t go overboard on this. No one likes a trash-strewn park, and the best prevention for
litter is having plenty of receptacles.
: Many folks enjoy picnicking outdoors — and also love a place to grill. Provide them with some
spots. Give grills and fire rings their proper place in your park so visitors can bring charcoal or
gas to grill with and enjoy a meal.
Add Lighting to our Park Design

Case study

Neighborhood parks are generally one to six acres in size and are intended to be within walking
distance of the neighborhood in which they serve. Amenities can include walking paths,
playgrounds, picnic tables, small picnic pavilions, sod grass areas, backstops and/or dirt infields,
basketball courts, tennis courts, or in-line hockey facilities.
 Local Case Study on Unity Park

The National Palace was built under Emperor Menelik II over a century ago in Ethiopia, Addis
Ababa; the Palace rests on 40,000Sqm of land. For generations, it has been viewed as the
epicenter of political power, where the most powerful family in the land resides. The renovated
compound incorporates several sights of interest to visitors, encompassing six sections including
a wide green area, a cave named Black Lion Cave, indigenous plants, nine traditional pavilions
representing the nine states of the country, replicas of historical buildings, a museum and a zoo.

The Features of Unity Park

Zoo
The Unity Park of Ethiopia has natural, cultural, historical, and heritage tourism attractions all in
one place. The unique natural attractions of Unity Park are zoos with 37 mammals, nine types of
animals, namely Giraffes, Zebras, Kudu, Impala, Eland, Gemsbok, Nyala, Wildebeest, and White
Rhino, thirteen species of aquatic animals, and indigenous various birds in the aviary. The Black
Mane Lions’ are also found only in Ethiopia.
Planting
Another natural attraction of Unity Park is the traditional Garden with indigenous plants.

Historical Artifacts of National Palace

Historical artifacts show not only the existence of
objects in a Palace but also show the level of an ancient
civilization. None of the artifacts of the palace was an
ordinary item. But everything was made of gold, from the
king’s throne to simple restaurant materials. For example,
the photo frame, Jewelry, Book covers, utensils, and
other sculptures were all made of gold. Among the
historical artifacts, historical and religious books written by Amharic, English, and Geez
languages. These books are so old and can be used for research and study worldwide. It is also
used to teach history to future generations.
Traditional and handmade furniture, advance telecommunication device, transportation cars and
photo gallery of great world leaders are also among the historical artifacts of National Palace.

The Unity Park sculpture

Various sculptures of the park depict the culture, civilization, and strength of Ethiopian
nationalities. Sculptures are made of wood, stone, and mud. Moreover, the hand-crafted
sculptures show Ethiopian masterpieces.
The park provides an excellent location for creative arts be it poetry, painting, and for writers of
script for films and novels. It is an ideal location for those who write music of all kinds. It also
creates an excellent breeze for those who plan to write books on topics of their own choice.
Banquet Hall
The Banquet Hall or commonly called ‘Gibir adarash’, was built during the reign of Emperor
Menelik II. When it was constructed, it had a capacity to entertain almost 8000 guests at a time.
Emperor Menelik used to organize feasts three times a week, not to mention the plentiful
carousals during festive days. In 1963 following the establishment of the Organization of African
Unity (OAU), Emperor Haile Selassie had organized a feast for the founding fathers of OAU in
this same Hall. In 2019 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, had arranged a 5-million-birr dinner as part
of raising money for the project Beautification of Addis Ababa’.

Pavilions
The pavilions built to show the natural and cultural resources of the nine regional states clearly
show the diversity adding up to the multi-faceted manifestation of the unity among the peoples
of this country. This park will be a reminder of the unity that the peoples of Ethiopia have
enjoyed in the past.
The contribution of the Unity Park in reducing carbon emission in the city makes it not only a
conspicuous part of the Climate Resilient Green Economy Development of the country would be
ever greater through time.

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY: KLYDE WARREN PARK

Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre park built atop the recessed Woodall Rodgers Freeway,
connecting the walk able Uptown neighborhood with the Dallas Arts District and downtown.

PROJECT TYPE
Highway Cap / “Deck Park”

DURATION
Opened in 2012. Ten years of planning, design, fundraising, and construction.

BACKGROUND
Klyde Warren Park bridged the city’s downtown cultural district and the dense mixed-use
neighborhoods to the north. Built to provide connection between the two neighborhoods severed
by the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, the park serves as a cultural and artistic hub where locals can
gather in the variety of pedestrian-oriented spaces including a children’s park, reading room,
great lawn, restaurant, performance pavilion, fountain plaza, games area, and dog park.
Klyde Warren Park was designed to attract pedestrian foot-traffic, increase value of surrounding
businesses, and facilitate connection by way of vibrant public space.
The walkability of the city center has significantly increased since the park’s integration of
pedestrian, streetcar, and bicycle accessibility. Klyde Warren Park stands as a model of
sustainable landscape design with its integration of native plantings, storm water reclamation,
and use of solar and geothermal energy for park building
PARTNERSHIPS
The Park was made possible through a public private partnership between:
• City of Dallas
• Texas Department of Transportation
• US Department of Transportation
• Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation
PROJECT FUNDING
Total cost of the park: $110 million.
BENEFITS
The park stimulated adjacent real estate development and increased tax revenue. Impact studies
project $312.7 million in economic benefit and $12.7 million in direct tax revenue. Adjacent
commercial rents have increased 32%.
The park has contributed significantly to the local social environment; 90.9% of park users
surveyed responded that their quality of life was significantly improved by the addition of the
park. The park has come to be known as a must-see for a visitor to Dallas and has led to a 61%
increase in streetcar ridership. The park has made significant local environmental benefits. The
addition captures 18,500 lbs. of carbon dioxide by way of planted trees and reduces storm water
drainage by 64,214 gallons annually.
CHALLENGES & LESSONS LEARNED
Getting the Funding Mix Right : A number of groups funded the project; this provided a solid
foundation of support and also led to a need to balance competing interest. Moreover, the project
was expensive to build and continues to be expensive to maintain and program.
Meet Challenges Head On: Engineering concerns proved challenging including climate, the
weight of park greenery, and existing topography (a significant land slope).
Anticipate Changes to Policy: Newly adopted national and state highway regulations
introduced challenges mid-construction; these unforeseen obstacles were balanced with new
municipal regulations.
Changing Culture: While Klyde Warren Park reconnecting neighborhoods and spurred
economic development, the deck park maintained the Woodall Rogers Freeway below, and with
it, a dependence on freeway travels even for local trips.

Design Goals/Objectives
Project statement: To plan a new neighborhood park space where people gather to socialize,
learn, farm, recreate, and relax in an inviting and safe environment.
1. Provide a park design which preserves the existing high quality natural characteristics of the
site.
 Sledding hill
 Oak trees
 Sense of place
 Provide activities for all Seasons Park
2. Accessible and inviting gathering spaces
 Small seating areas for quiet contemplation
 Small group gathering areas for neighborhood interaction
 Larger gathering spaces for education
3. Structured or non-structured recreation?
 Neighborhood Park Activities
 Walking (with or without pets)
 Biking
 Something for all age populations
 Anticipate changing needs
4. Sustainability
  Reduced energy use
 Green energy (wind, solar)
6. Enhance the city’s arts, cultural and historic assets

REFERENCE
[1] - https://www.optima.inc/history-landscape-design/
[2] CHARLES W. (PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
HARRIS - Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture (1998,
MCGRAW-HILL
EDUCATION - EUROPE) - libgen.lc
[3] JOHN ORMSBEE SIMONDS, BARRY W. STARKE-LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE_
A MANUAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND DESIGN
-MCGRAW-HILL
PROF MED_TECH (2006)
[4] PLANTING DESIGN HANDBOOK
[5] JACK (JACK E. INGELS) INGELS - LANDSCAPING PRINCIPLES AND
PRACTICES
(2009, DELMAR CENGAGE LEARNING) - LIBGEN.LC
[6] PROFESSIONAL PLANTING DESIGN
[7] FROM CONCEPT TO FORM IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN