shaded performance / presentation space in the back corner , and a small community garden along Winslow Street . The park is protected and enclosed by an old 4-5 ’ high , granite block wall that was repaired ; it retains the entire eastern edge of the park . Single granite blocks were placed in the entrance plaza to deter vehicles from entering the park and , also , to serve as informal seating , where visitors are slowed and filtered into the space . Decorative steel picket fencing adorns the street frontage with new benches located in alcoves along the sidewalk . Outdoor rooms surround the central open space and are connected by an exposed aggregate walking loop with adjoining informal stone-dust paths . Options for seating , performance , free play , and gardening are available to all ages and abilities , allowing park users to connect to their community in a comfortable and safe environment .
Photo | Mike Nyman Photography
The Details
While the free-standing serpentine wall was initially identified as an opportunity for placement of memorial plaques , it was later decided to keep the wall as an unadorned focal point undulating over the created topography . Manipulation of the existing topography directs storm-water runoff to the adjacent street drainage and avoids the need for onsite drainage infrastructure — significantly minimizing construction costs and time . Where the interruption of the garden by a utility cabinet was unavoidable , designers selected a polished , stainless steel cabinet which is easy to clean if tagged , and disguises itself by reflecting the elements around it .
Photo | BSC Group
And it ’ s Fruitful !
Tomatoes , green beans , squash plants , and herbs tumble across raised beds in the community garden , providing fresh food amid the neighboring convenience stores . The garden part of REC ’ s UGROW program also provides an element of interest for residents who may witness how the garden evolves with the seasons . Having the community garden in Peace Park encourages consistent presence of active stakeholders and , thereby , increased surveillance . The importance of Peace Park to this community is evident in the lack of abuse this park receives . For an urban park to age well in the setting of a hardened and underserved neighborhood is no small victory .
Photo | BSC Group
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