Thursday, November 13, 2008

Alternative 5: Mixed Use


Summary

The majority of the elements have no discreet location; rather they are interspersed with each other over the area in question. The thought behind this arrangement is to allow unimpeded access from any one activity to any other. The main “mixed use” components are a community garden built on raised beds, permaculture fruit tree plots, natural areas by the river and an evolving art garden. The rock garden play area, amphitheater and therapy garden are more separated from the other uses. Although they are not as integrated as the other components they still are easily accessible from anywhere on the site.

Needs Addressed

These components and layout are a result of the meetings with staff, clients, community members and partners. In particular, the width of the paths and proximity to the facility of the therapy garden came out of the adult staff meeting, and concern that the clients prefer to walk two to three abreast and the fact that some clients struggle to get around the entire current track. The integrated community, art, permaculture garden was the idea that came out of the first community meeting with four very excited neighbors.

Elements

  • Community garden.
  • Therapeutic gardens with wide pathways.
  • Natural areas along the river.
  • Rock garden play area, for climbing on, crawling in and through, and general play.
  • Amphitheater. This feature provides outdoor classroom space for clients. It can also serve as a gathering area for neighborhood events, which could potentially generate a small amount of revenue.
  • Greenhouse/tool shed for community members and class use.
  • Permaculture fruit tree plots for all to enjoy.
  • Rotating art work from professionals, amateurs, clients, and students. The art spaces would be placed all over the site and would occasionally be changed out with new art.
  • Dock on the river.
  • Sensory tables would be rather large and could have water, sand or soil. Preferably they would be made of glass so children could see what happens beneath the surface.

Cost Projections

Time Frame


Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE






Community garden






Permaculture






Art






Rock Garden






Therapeutic garden






Amphitheater






Sensory Tables












CITY






Natural areas






Dock






5 comments:

Milo said...

Love the rock garden idea on this and the other plan. Kids are natural climbers, and climbing features like this are becoming more widespread in parks.

Jon E said...

The freedom of the area is appealing. I like no boundaries and overlaping uses.

Tom Sanchez said...

I like how the site elements are staggered which creates diversity. The site map needs a legend or labeling so the uses associated with the different colors will be discernible.

drew said...

I like this plan the best. No footbridge. Nice and simple, easier to maintain and control the property. The community garden is a great idea in any of the plans, as it would provide a place for community residents to talk and work together as well as teach children the fundamentals of agriculture and preservation.

Tara said...

This plan feels simpler in terms of upkeep since there are not too many built objects.
The sensory tables would need to utilize some vandal-proof acrylic instead of glass both for safety and to lengthen the time between replacements.
The tool shed is a super idea. It will likely be well-used.
In the budget there is no cost associated with the art garden and the permaculture section. Is the cost covered elsewhere?